Call to remove caging and install bright hoarding at condemned Letterkenny buildings

Donegal County Council has been asked to erect bright hoarding to improve the appearance of condemned buildings on Main Street Letterkenny.

Numbers 2, 4 & 6 near Market Square remain cordoned-off with steel fencing and concrete bollards since June, when they were declared potentially unsafe by structural engineers.

The caging, according to Mayor Gerry McMonagle, doesn't look well for the town.

Cllr McMonagle also pointed out the safety hazards of the current layout.

"The most dangerous thing of it all is people walk around the barrier because the footpath on the right side goes right down to the cage," Cllr McMonagle told this month's meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford MD.

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"In many other towns and cities and building sites we see a proper plywood surround which can be painted, is bright and can provide safe walkways for pedestrians.

"I don't think it’s too much to ask that we do something similar to that in Letterkenny

"You are hiding an eyesore and putting a bright facade onto the main street, and also providing a safe walkway for pedestrians, I think that would be welcome to everyone," he added.

A statement from Donegal County Council gave an update to the situation and said: "The Council have engaged with contractors in regard to the installation of wooden hoarding in the immediate term to replace the existing safety fencing currently in place.

"The Council has obtained advice from the independent chartered structural engineer engaged by the Council and the diversion of pedestrians to the opposite side of the street will be maintained in the interim.

"The Council will advise the Elected Members on the proposals for the hoarding following review of the Contractor’s proposals and taking into account traffic and pedestrian flow."

To the response, Cllr McMonagle pointed out the significant traffic and pedestrian numbers on Main Street.