by Chris Ashmore
A new forum is being proposed to discuss starting and finishing times for people working with Letterkenny’s biggest employers, and also for those attending places of education, with a view to seeing if changes could help in alleviating some of the town’s chronic traffic problems.
The forum is the brainchild of the Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council, Councillor Ciaran Brogan.
He believes that by bringing all the stakeholders together they can try and find short, medium and long term solutions.
By way of example, he pointed out that ATU Letterkenny is the only university in the country that does not start at 9.30 am. He said it is envisaged that this will change to 9am next year.
He feels that a forum could take in major employers, both public and private, and also liaise with bus operators, and schools.
Tabling a motion on the subject at the March meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council, he proposed that the forum would be facilitated by the local authority’s Roads and Transport team.
“There is a disconnect with what is happening on the ground,” he asserted.
Continuing, he said: “We always had a very strong partnership with the ATU, HSE and employment agencies, so it is important we engage with them.”
Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly seconded the motion, and said this was a “hot topic” and he felt a town team would be a very positive way forward.
The Council will now consider how such a forum can be put into effect.
