THE Donegal News presented road users’ criticisms of Letterkenny’s traffic congestion to the County Council.
We told officials that the problem is driving people and businesses mad with frustration and we asked them to comment on claims that the matter is becoming chronic.
Motorists, business owners, taxi drivers, driving school instructors, bus drivers and others in Letterkenny all hit out this week.
Letterkenny traffic in the Mountain Top area today. Photo: Bus Feda.
Donegal County Council responded to highlight several infrastructure projects, including the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project which includes an eastern by-pass and new crossing over the Swilly at Ballyraine.
It also stressed that the Letterkenny Southern Network Project will include a southern by-pass and a number of new Swilly crossings.
It said the Northern Network Project will link the Glencar and Windyhall areas with a new northern by-pass connecting at the Knocknamona Roundabout; and it highlighted the expected benefits of the N56 corridor from Ballyraine to the Mountain Top.
A council spokesperson told the Donegal News: “The Transport Plan acknowledges that the issue of traffic congestion is a matter of real concern for the residents of Letterkenny and those that travel to it for work, education, other reasons.
“The plan sets out a coherent and balanced roadmap that will, over time, transform the town to one that offers meaningful sustainable alternatives to the car, whilst at the same time ensuring that the legacy road network deficiencies are addressed as a key element of the overall approach.
“Many of these projects that are identified in the plan are at various stages of progression.
“The Active Travel project completed in the cathedral area has improved facilities for the large volume of students that travel to and around that area each day.
“The signalisation of the Polestar Roundabout has helped improve the sharing of the capacity available at that busy location.
“The council is ambitious for the future of Letterkenny and the transport interventions outlined in the plan are required to realise that ambition.
“The success of these interventions will also require us to consider how we move around the town and use more sustainable options were available.”
Donegal County Council issued a response following another week of traffic trauma.
THE FULL STATEMENT FROM DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL:
The Letterkenny Transport Plan 2023 to 2029 was adopted by the Council as part of the Letterkenny Local Area Plan process following extensive public consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders.
The Transport Plan acknowledges that the issue of traffic congestion is a matter of real concern for the residents of Letterkenny and those that travel to it for work, education, other reasons.
ROADMAP TO FUTURE
The plan sets out a coherent and balanced roadmap that will, over time, transform the town to one that offers meaningful sustainable alternatives to the car, whilst at the same time ensuring that the legacy road network deficiencies are addressed as a key element of the overall approach.
The projects identified in the plan include strategic roads projects which will divert traffic around the periphery of the town rather than having to travel through the town.
This includes projects such as:
The TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project which includes an eastern by-pass and new crossing over the Swilly at Ballyraine;
The Letterkenny Southern Network Project which includes a southern by-pass and a number of new Swilly crossings;
The Northern Network Project which will link the Glencar and Windyhall areas with a new northern by-pass connecting at the Knocknamona Roundabout;
The N56 corridor from Ballyraine to the Mountain Top.
TOWN BUS SERVICE
The plan also identifies projects that will provide alternative travel options within the town.
This includes the delivery of a new town bus service which is being led by the National Transport Authority and the delivery of a new transport hub.
The construction of the Active Travel network set out in the plan will make it easier for residents to get around town on foot, by bike or using other wheeling options.
Other improvements to the transport network are also included within the plan such as in the Oldtown area and in Ballymacool.
Many of these projects that are identified in the plan are at various stages of progression.
ACTIVE TRAVE PLAN
The Active Travel project completed in the cathedral area has improved facilities for the large volume of students that travel to and around that area each day.
The signalisation of the Polestar Roundabout has helped improve the sharing of the capacity available at that busy location.
Further works are being completed along the Ballyraine Road see the replacement of the Ballyraine and Creamery roundabouts with signalised junctions.
This project will include additional approach lanes at these junctions as well as improved facilities for walking and cycling
The TEN-T project has been submitted for statutory approval with a decision expected this year, the Northern Network Project was recently approved for funding under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund and the preferred route corridor for Southern Network Project has been selected.
Projects that have been or are being implemented have themselves been subject to various stage of public consultation and planning approval.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The public is encouraged to participate in these consultations when they occur.
The council is ambitious for the future of Letterkenny and the transport interventions outlined in the plan are required to realise that ambition.
The success of these interventions will also require us to consider how we move around the town and use more sustainable options were available.
Whilst projects are being delivered on the ground it is not possible to mitigate all of the traffic impacts during the construction stage.
However, once complete, they will cumulatively help contribute to a making Letterkenny a better place to live, work, study and shop.