Roads projects generate interest at public information event

By Chris Ashmore 

HUNDREDS of million euros worth of projects are being planned for Letterkenny – but how many of them come to fruition in the next ten to 15 years will depend largely on funding.

Yesterday, Donegal County Council in association with the HSE, Donegal ATU and Donegal ETB held a public information event in the Radisson Hotel to showcase the projects.

In light of the town’s ever-worsening traffic issues, many of those who attended were most interested in road-related projects,

Among the biggest projects are the planned construction of the new Northern Network Project (linking Windyhall with Killylastin) and the Southern Network Project which will eventually run from near O’Donnell Park, via Leck and over to the N13 at Bonagee.

The public consultation process for the Northern Network Project opens this week. It is proposed to build a new 2.3 km road from Windyhall – where a section of the road beside Optum has already started – right through to the KillylastinGlencar Road junction near the Applegreen service station, and beyond to Cluain Ard.

Maura Gillen, General Manager Primary Care; Sean Murphy, General Manager, Letterkenny University Hospital; Rona Furphy, Services Manager; Cathleen Doherty, Service Manager for Older People, Donegal; Asling McDonald, HR Letterkenny; and Paul Hume, Head of HR, Sligo /Leitrim, pictured at the Investing in the Future conference at the Radisson Hotel. Photos: Brian McDaid.

The new, largely straight road, will be far safer and wider than the existing Windyhall road, and will have active travel cycle lanes and footpaths.

While negotiations with landowners will be required, compulsory purchase orders may be necessary. The construction of this road will also lead to large tracts of land being opened up for more housing and development.

The proposed developments are available for inspection from tomorrow (Friday) at the Letterkenny Public Services Centre and the Milford Public Service Centre, as well as online on the council website.

The deadline for submissions and observations is Monday, January 19, 2026.

Yesterday’s event also showcased plans for the former Courthouse, Market Square and the Cathedral Quarter Park, as well as the Letterkenny Regional Sports and Activity Hub at the Donegal ATU Knocknamona Campus and the new 110 bed Letterkenny Community Hospital.

The Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr. Ciaran Brogan said: “ I look forward to seeing how these investments will continue to shape the future of Letterkenny, as a strong, vibrant and competitive Regional Centre, for generations to come.”