By Paul McElwee

THE matron of a nursing home has implored people to slow down following a collision which damaged a wall close to the premises.

Jennifer Rankin, matron of the Lake House Nursing Home, has expressed concerns for visitors and staff attending the facility in the wake of the latest incident.

Speaking to the Donegal News, she said: “I would certainly have concerns about the speed of motorists on the road, who seem to be boy racers.

“We have staff and visitors to our residents coming in on a daily basis and one elderly gentleman who walks the road to come and visit his friend. Luckily, no visitors or staff have been hurt as a result of accidents but I would implore people to slow down before it happens.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Michael McClafferty has reiterated calls for safety and road condition improvements along the N56 in Portnablagh following the last incident.

Cllr McClafferty said it is “long past time” that something to be done about the road, in particular on a stretch of road which contains both the nursing home and Faugher National school.

“This section has become increasingly dangerous, with several traffic accidents occurring over recent years, one as recently as last week. The common factor in many of these incidents is excessive speed. Despite how busy the road can be, with cyclists, walkers and families with young children using it on a daily basis there seems to be little deterrent for drivers who are travelling too fast, creating a serious risk to local residents and road users alike. Additionally, the speed level makes exiting from the Breaghy Road onto the N56 extremely hazardous due to limited visibility

“My concern is especially heightened given that there is a nursing home located along this stretch of the N56. Vulnerable people, including the elderly, staff, and visiting family members are regularly entering or crossing this road. I fear that if effective measures are not introduced soon, we may be faced with a tragic fatality that could have been prevented.”

Cllr McClafferty said he has raised the issue with Donegal County Council on numerous occasions and was heartened by some recent progress when a speed-monitoring device was installed to record vehicle’s speed and to assess the extent of the problem.

“I patiently await the survey findings and sincerely hope they lead to meaningful action, although I admit I am unsure exactly what form hat action should take. It should also be noted that data alone does not save lives, action does and action must be taken on this road before it’s too late and someone gets killed.”