Green Connect linear park “not a sustainable design” - McBride

A local councillor has called for a review of the multi-million euro Letterkenny Green Connect project as he believes the first phase – a linear park – is “not a sustainable design”.

Tabling a motion on the subject at the November meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council, Cllr. Michael McBride questioned the cost and practicality of materials used in the linear park just off the Neil T. Blaney Road, and crossed by the Joe Bonnar Road, near the Public Services Centre offices.

Noting that “60 sheets of steel” had been used, he questioned the design of a number of structures on the open greenway-style park which has cycle lanes and walking areas.

He highlighted one instance where a woman took children down to the linear park only to have their clothes “destroyed and covered in rust”.

While Cllr. McBride acknowledged that council staff had recently “done a great job tidying it up”, he added: “In my opinion, I do not believe it is a sustainable design.”

Instead of the brickwork used, he suggested maybe there should have been concrete.

He felt they needed to find “something attractive to use and also easy to maintain”.

Cllr. Tomás Seán Devine seconded the motion calling for a design review, and also expressed concerns. “Maybe we should be looking at structures with stainless steel,” he stated.

Director of Community Development & Planning Services, Liam Ward pointed out that the first phase of Letterkenny Green Connect was developed under Urban Renewal Development Funding for the town.

Design work on phase two, which will extend the Green Connect linear park to the Pearse Road and then on across the Pearse Road and up to the old ESB site to connect it with the Port Road and the new “Cultural Quarter” (around An Grianán Theatre).

Mr Ward added that the design team will be “looking at options and materials that will be used with a view to looking at maintenance and sustainability.”

A workshop for councillors will be convened once this design work has been further developed.

The linear park scheme is part of the wider Letterkenny 2040 Project which has secured funding of over €20 million, and which will comprise five projects: The creation of a Cathedral Quarter; Lower Main Street renewal; Utilising the old courthouse building; developing a transport hub; and the Green Connect linear park through parts of the centre of the town.

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