TRAFFIC concerns and warnings highlighted by shops in Letterkenny have been backed by retailers across the county.
Top fashion outlet Evolve tackled the issue of traffic problems in the town with a powerful statement that spoke of children stuck on buses that will be late for school and parents setting alarms earlier because 15-minute car journeys “now take an hour”.
Donegal’s largest department store and others have since backed Evolve.
A statement from the award-winning McElhinney’s in Ballybofey said: “McElhinney’s would like to express our sincere support for Evolve and the businesses impacted by the ongoing roadworks in Letterkenny and across the county.
“Retailers are under immense pressure to keep up with rising costs, and all businesses, particularly those that rely on footfall, are being hugely impacted by roadworks causing severe traffic delays throughout Donegal.
“We, of course, understand the need for updated roads and infrastructure to support traffic flow, but not at the potential cost of the livelihoods of countless people across Donegal.”
Heavy traffic on the Neil T Blaney Road in Letterkenny recently. Motorists were once again left frustrated as many of the town’s main routes were blocked for long periods amid the gridlock. Photo: Brian McDaid.
The McElhinney’s statement added: “A clear plan is urgently needed to allow the businesses and schools in our local community to operate as normal and to facilitate movement in what is already a challenging time for all of us.
“We would ask our followers to please consider sharing this message to reach as many people as possible.
“When we all stand together, our voices will be heard.”
Hundreds of people have shared the warnings from Evolve and McElhinney’s.
Evolve’s post attracted over 1,200 responses within days of being published a week ago.
“PRESSURE NEEDS TO INCREASE”
Local election candidate Mary T Sweeney, who is on the Aontu party’s National Executive Committee, said: “Thank you for taking the time to speak out. The pressure needs to increase.”
Bus driver Patricia Gallagher said: “Well done. Every business in Letterkenny needs to get behind you now.
“As a bus driver, I cannot tell you the stress we are under daily to get kids into school each morning on time.”
Donal McGee, from Falcarragh said: “We are with you on that, Evolve. I regularly visited Letterkenny, but now I avoid it like a plague. I take rips down the west, go through Glenties, or divert towards Drumkeen.
“Don’t eat in Letterkenny, seldom shop there. Who needs stress when it can be avoided?”
Daryl Kelly in Buncrana said: “Well said. I used to always go to Letterkenny but I now go to Derry. Sent €200 last week in there.”
Patricia Desmond warned: “Fix it now before you ruin Christmas shopping for people and traders and chase people to Derry or online.”