Active Travel’s impact on Letterkenny during Christmas period raises concerns

Concerns have been raised at the impact of Active Travel works on road users in Letterkenny, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

Active Travel works have recently begun on the Kilmacrennan Road, which has seen some turning lanes removed between the Hospital Roundabout and Knocknamona Roundabout.

Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly said he had “grave concerns” about the impact the works are having on Letterkenny’s traffic situation.

He told councillors that due to the works, traffic congestion has increased for morning commuters. He expressed concerns at seeing Letterkenny main street empty of cars in the morning prior to the council meeting, saying it “speaks volume” that this was after “only 30 or 40 yards” of road being tapered off.

"I’m very nervous about the traffic going forward,” said Cllr Kelly. “The hospital roundabout will be reduced to one lane. During previous works, islands were taken away and barricaded off.

“Every single road was backed up, buses were late to school and people were late for work. I can’t help but wonder did we learn anything from the Four Lane project. I don’t know how emergency services are going to get through Christmas. It’s the busiest period for the town.”

Cllr Kelly expressed concern at not seeing any cars driving on Letterkenny main street

Cllr Kelly implored the council’s road staff to go out and view the road in the morning.

“Until we have an outer roads bus service in place, this is premature. I can’t see it working.”

Cllr Kelly asked for the works to be deferred until after Christmas to “give businesses a chance”, as works would cause a “mad struggle” for road users.

He was supported by Cllr Pauric McGarvey, Cllr Liam Blaney and Cllr Tomás Seán Devine.

Cllr Devine added that Letterkenny University Hospital wouldn’t be able to “stick” the increased traffic outside during the Christmas period.

However, Cllr Gerry McMonagle argued that “active travel is the right way to go” and deferring the works until after Christmas would not make any difference. 

“We have the same problems every day of the week,” he said. “This town is busy every single day of the year. Around 40,000 people come into this town every day.”

Councillors were informed by Senior Roads Engineer David McIlwaine that as works have already begun under the contract with ACS Civils Ltd, it is unlikely that they could be deferred until the new year.

He explained that two-way traffic will operate on the stretch of road between 7am and 7pm daily. He added that “any improvements to initial setups” would be considered and he would take members’ comments to design team meetings.

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The R229 Kilmacrennan Active Travel Project in Letterkenny is due to complete by the end of September 2026. The works are located between the Hospital Roundabout and Knocknamona Roundabout, including a section that extends west from Knocknamona Roundabout to the entrance of the Optum Business Park.

Traffic management updates will be available via Donegal Council’s MapAlerter service and website. Sign up for free alerts at www.mapalerter.com/donegal.

The Active Travel project is promised to “enhance accessibility and promote the 10-minute active travel journey from residential areas to key amenities/destinations within Letterkenny Town, through the provision of improved pedestrian facilities and a new two-way cycle facility to the west side of the carriageway. Bus stops will be incorporated into the scheme to support public transport.”