Meeting sought with OPW over River Swilly potential

By Chris Ashmore

THE Cathaoirleach of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council has called for a meeting with the Office of Public Works to discuss how best to enhance the use of the River Swilly as it flows through Letterkenny.

Addressing the November meeting of the council this week, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle expressed the view that there is considerable potential for developing lands adjacent to the River Swilly.

“I think this is something we can develop and make into an asset and make into an amenity,” he declared.

“We have the Letterkenny Connect scheme going through the area and over to the Pearse Road. This is such an important issue for the centre of our town and future development of the town.”

Recognising the role of the OPW, he said that the council needed to get an update on the planned Arterial Drainage Scheme in the area and also on the Letterkenny Flood Relief Scheme.

He said that he also wanted to see what the OPW plans are for the way forward for the development of the area around the river in the town.

Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh seconded the motion and felt a meeting was needed to tie in with a new town plan.

Councillors agreed that they should have a number of items on an agenda to raise with the OPW.

This will include getting emergency access to the river between the Port Bridge and Oldtown Bridge for search and rescue operations.

A meeting between the council and members and the OPW will now be sought.

Over the years there have been calls to utilise the land adjacent to the river in a more productive way – including the possible development of walks and paths, and even installing locks for tidal purposes – but little has materialised.

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