Donegal Town is “bursting at the seams” and “crying out” for a link road.
Disappointment was expressed after Donegal Town was left off a major allocation for roads infrastructure under the government’s Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF).
Local councillors had hoped that a link road in Donegal Town would have been a part of the allocation.
“We are crying out for link roads,” Sinn Féin Councillor Noel Jordan told a meeting of the Donegal MD. “I am disappointed that we have not been successful.
“As an MD, we are very successful in housing and we are punching above our weight in house. We are being very competitive in that regard and are probably one of the leaders, but we need the infrastructure. The traffic congestion is growing all of the time and it is frustrating for people and for businesspeople.”
Councillor Jordan also asked about a one-way system on Water Street in the town and about a possible return to the traffic going the other way.
“We are going to direct another 2-300 cars over Tir Chonaill Street again over to the middle of the Diamond,” he said.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Micheál Naughton added: “Donegal Town is bursting at the seams with visitors. That road would be a benefit.
You may also be interested in
“I would encourage the Council now to make every effort to push for this road. Definitely, for Donegal Town this is a must for development.”
A Council official told the meeting that this was the first call in relation to HIIF funding and the Department has advises that there will be further calls later in the year in relation to infrastructure associated with housing.
“Any infrastructure that goes in has to deliver housing,” he said. “The multiplier effect for housings important in that context. There is also scope on the southern side of Donegal Town to open up land for development.”
Previously, plans were outlined for a link road between Drumrooske and Drumlonagher to relieve severe traffic on the approach roads while planned inner link road, Winward Drive, is planned to connect the R267 to the Old Laghey Road.