The incident has prompted calls from three west Donegal community groups for immediate action to address road and pedestrian safety in the village.

The elderly resident was on her way home from Mass when she stumbled and fell. Such was the severity of her injury that she required hospital treatment.

According to Cumann Forbartha – Na Dúchoraidh, Doochary Development Group and Doochary Tidy Towns there have been several near misses in recent times due to the poor state of the local footpaths.

Chair of Cumann Forbartha – Na Dúchoraidh, Megan McDermott, said the village’s footpaths were in a “shocking state”.

“The pensioner in question was coming from Mass and had a serious fall due to the footpath not being tarred, an uneven surface full of gravel and holes,” Ms McDermott said.

“My own grandmother walks on a very busy road to avoid falling herself and as a result has nearly been run down due to excessive speed on our roads.

“We have had the serious injury of a pensioner who is a valuable volunteer in our community and if the situation continues, it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.”

 In a bid to find a solution the committee has spoken with local councillors Noreen McGarvey and Micheal Cholm Mac Giollaeasbuig.

They have relayed the concerns to the relevant agencies but to date no action has been taken.

Megan McDermott added, “We are calling for the footpaths to receive immediate upgrades, including the one at the river walk as it is in a similar state to that leading to the chapel and is inaccessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.

“We are calling for the immediate installation of speed ramps into the village, as it is used as a thoroughfare coming from Fintown and Glenties to Dungloe and beyond.

“The speed with which people enter the village has already resulted in several car accidents and near misses of pedestrians including young children.

“We are asking for the support of council and relevant departments, please address these issues before there is a fatality.”

Councillor Noreen McGarvey said the issues have again been raised at municipal district level.

She has asked for digital speed signs to be considered if speed bumps are not in order.

“The engineering team is to have a look at what safety measures can be undertaken. I will keep the pressure on to have something done sooner rather than later,” Councillor McGarvey said.

Councillor Mac Giollaeasbuig said the Doochary situation was indicative of a lack of government investment in Donegal’s infrastructure.

“Donegal is being left behind with this lack of proper investment in our roads, water and housing.

“This incident of an injury to a pensioner is an immediate issue of health and safety. On top of that the recent spate of serious car accidents means lives are literally being put in danger,” Councillor Mac Giollaeasbuig said.

Donegal County Council was asked for a response but at the time of going to press last night none had been received.