PEOPLE learning to drive are being impacted by a lack of road markings in the Letterkenny area, a councillor has claimed.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle said he has been contacted by a number of driving instructors who are having difficulties training their learner drivers because of a lack of lines on the road, with particular issues at roundabouts.
The issue was raised at the monthly meeting of the Council when Cllr McMonagle asked the local authority to purchase their own road lining lorry and train up staff to address the increasing difficulties in getting road lining contractors to carry out works in the county. He said it is taking an inordinate amount of time to reline roads after remedial and resurfacing works are carried out.
“This is impacting on all road users particularly pedestrians but it is also now beginning to impact on those who are learning to drive,” said Cllr McMonagle.
“Here in Letterkenny in particular there are a number of major roundabouts which have been painted on the roads that are now worn out or have been resurfaced in the recent past and are now not there. They are not guiding motorists anymore and it is leading to an unsafe environment for drivers and pedestrians.”
In response, the Council said there is on average two months per year of road lining work which would not justify the investment of their own lorry. However Cllr McMonagle said he did not accept this and believes there is more work than that with all the road works taking place in Letterkenny at the moment.
“I think it would be more cost effective to have our own lorry and our own workers to carry out these necessary works, whenever and wherever they are needed,” he said.
The council acknowledged the current difficulties in sourcing road lining contractors but said a local Donegal contractor has recently invested in road lining equipment, has employed experienced staff and will shortly be able to bid for road lining work. They said it is expected this will go a long way to addressing the current difficulties.
Cllr McMonagle asked senior management to look at the issue again and urged them to address particular areas that are badly affected.
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