Planning permission could delay a road safety solution at Dunkineely NS

Even a temporary solution to road safety concerns at Dunkineely NS could face further delays due to the possibility of planning permission being required. 

At the April meeting of the Municipal District (MD) of Donegal, Cllr Noel Jordan (SF) did not hold back in voicing his frustration at a reply by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to his emergency motion.

The councillor had brought an emergency motion at the February meeting of Donegal MD, saying: “I am asking that this Municipal District calls on the TII to address the road safety issues at Dunkineely NS due to the continuous dangerous incidents at this school crossing as a matter or urgency.”

The emergency motion came in the wake of a viral video recorded by a parent, showing a car breaking the red light while a parent stood holding a child by the hand at the crossing.

Prior to the April meeting, councillors had received a response from TII explaining that the feasibility of various suggestions was being considered, but that even a temporary solution might well require planning permission. 

An infuriated Cllr Jordan said: “I will keep saying it till something is done. 

“The response is watered down. If we are in a position that we need to carry out the structure there that needs planning permission, we know how long that takes. 

“But how long do we have to wait to see if we need planning? The public are waiting for a response and if that is the best we can come up with.

“They are saying temporary measures will take the same amount of time as permanent solutions. I don’t think they are seeing it as a matter of urgency.”

Area Roads Officer for Donegal County Council Mark Sweeney clarified the TII response, saying it depended on the option that was selected.

“That may or may not require planning,” he said. “If it doesn’t need planning, it will be quicker.

“I put forward your suggestions to them. The feedback we are getting is that temporary or permanent change requires TII approval.

“Only after you get that approval can you get the funding.”