THE Letterkenny Area Friends of the Earth Local Group has held what it described as a positive and constructive meeting with Sinn Féin representatives to discuss transport, climate action and environmental issues affecting Donegal.
The local group, which supports the national campaigns of Friends of the Earth Ireland, met with Councillor Gerry McMonagle and Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD after contacting all Donegal TDs seeking discussions on climate and environmental priorities. Sinn Féin was the first party to respond to the group’s invitation.
Transport was the main focus of the meeting, with discussions centred on measures that could help address climate and biodiversity challenges while also reducing living costs and improving quality of life for local communities.
Among the issues raised were the shortage of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region and the need for a feasibility study into a rail connection between Letterkenny and Derry.
The meeting also examined the implementation of the National Transport Authority’s Letterkenny Town Bus Plan, improvements and cost reductions for public bus services, park-and-ride facilities on key routes into Letterkenny, measures to reduce school-related car journeys and the development of a dedicated public transport hub for the town.
Other transport-related topics included additional road bridge infrastructure in Letterkenny, improving links between public transport services and Letterkenny University Hospital, and progress on safe active travel routes.
Jim Doherty, Coordinator of the Letterkenny Area Friends of the Earth group, welcomed the engagement.
“We were delighted to find that the Sinn Féin public representatives are very supportive of, knowledgeable about and are taking actions to help progress these transport issues through Donegal County Council and the National Parliament.
“Cheaper, better, cleaner transport options in the area are wins for local people and for the climate, environment and biodiversity,” he said.
The discussion also touched on offshore wind energy, building retrofitting, data centres, agriculture and wildlife corridors. Both sides agreed to meet again to explore these topics in greater detail.
The group’s programme of meetings with Donegal representatives is continuing, with a discussion scheduled next with Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConalogue.
Campaigns
Friends of the Earth Ireland campaigns for system changes aimed at creating a fairer society where people and nature can thrive. Its current national priorities include warmer homes for all, faster and fairer climate action and a data centre moratorium.
The Letterkenny-based group covers the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, stretching from Glenswilly to Fanad and from Glenveagh to Manorcunningham. Members come from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups.
The group is encouraging anyone interested in becoming involved to make contact through [email protected]. It is also calling on people in Donegal’s other municipal districts, including Inishowen, Stranorlar, Glenties and Donegal Town, to consider establishing local Friends of the Earth groups in their areas.