by Louise Doyle
YOU’D be forgiven for thinking this photograph is of a Christmas tree. But far from festive cheer, it is actually a photograph of bumper to bumper traffic captured on the High Road in Letterkenny earlier this week.
The photograph, taken by our photographer, Brian McDaid, elicited huge reaction when he shared it online, with many people commenting how their daily commute often brings frustration and misery.
Other commentators pointed to the looming general election, and urged candidates to address the longstanding issue of traffic congestion and infrastructure in Letterkenny once and for all.
Readers’ comments
One woman commented: “Looks like an xmas tree Brian. If anyone looking for election vote, take them around Letterkenny from 4pm to 7pm.”
Another person wrote: “My anxiety is heightened going to work in the morning. I drop my child off to breakfast club which opens at 8am. I start work at 8.30am and once I hit the George Boal roundabout, my morning goes to pot as it’s road rage at its finest. Once you get off that roundabout, it’s a long bumper to bumper journey until you reach FinTru, then it eases off. I barely make it in time, and now coming in to the winter weather it’s going to add to the stress. Letterkenny is an absolute disaster area when it comes to making your way through it and around it.
“My child’s after school care closes at 5.30pm and I am cutting it fine to even make that journey, which should only take 15 minutes or less. Everyone’s in the same situation in a town that has no infrastructure.”
Another person wrote: “Same out the Ramelton Road and over by Ballyraine. It’s absolutely crazy. It will definitely put people off shopping local. I would not be bothered.”
Another reader commented: “Traffic lights at the Forte Retail Park all go red at the same time, so nothing can get out of Dunnes. Council are aware and retail park have asked for the timing on the lights to be changed several times over the last five years and council refuse to change the sequence/timing.”
Another person stated: “The current government of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are solely responsible for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and therefore responsible for the chaotic and disastrous traffic situation here. Every dog in the street knows that a second bridge across the Swilly is the only solution. A petrol pump and house at the Dry Arch was bought over 20 years ago to commence this second bridge, but alas nothing since. However, no more excuses, crying or complaints after the 29th of November if we don’t change the incoming government to change this pathetic situation and make Letterkenny great again.”
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