Cathedral Quarter column: Letterkenny’s worsening traffic problem
It is clear that something needs to be done because if it is bad now, what is it going to be like in a few weeks' time when all the schools are reopened?
In recent weeks, there has been much discussion about the ongoing traffic situation in Letterkenny.
For our part, we have avoided highlighting the issue online because we primarily focus on positive stories. Personally speaking, it doesn't affect him as much as it does others. I don’t own a car because I can’t afford one.
It is clear that something needs to be done because if it is bad now, what is it going to be like in a few weeks' time when all the schools are reopened?
While we have no timeframe for when a bridge over the Swilly is built and other link roads, there should be a greater emphasis placed on public transport. Letterkenny and, by extension, Donegal are missing out as we have no rail infrastructure in the county.
A functioning and reliable town bus service is also badly needed. One service which has been successful is the Local Link Buses, but it should be promoted more along with additional routes around the county.
I regularly take the bus from Mr Chippie to my mother’s house in Thorndale, and it is very reasonably priced. On the other hand, we would like to think that a solution to Letterkenny’s traffic woes will be forthcoming. In the meantime, we must continue to constantly improve the town centre so people will want to come to Letterkenny.
Big Events
If we can adequately deal with the traffic issue, then we will reap the rewards. Letterkenny should be looking to host more large-scale events, and it is great to see that the Summer Sessions in Kiltoy are up and running. Year on year, it is getting more successful, and they have been clever in encouraging people to use their Park and Ride service, bringing people out to the event.
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Fleadh in Belfast, and it was an amazing occasion. It was estimated that 1.6 million people visited Belfast during the week’s celebrations. Many of the streets were closed off to traffic, the pubs were packed, and there was traditional music on every corner, creating a superb atmosphere.
Letterkenny did host the Fleadh back in 2005 and 2006, and it is remembered with great fondness by locals. It should be an ambition to bring the Fleadh back to the town and although it would take a Herculean effort, all the hard work would be worth it. Just ask the people of Belfast.
Literary Support
As many people know, the flagship event of the year is our Literary Festival, and it is now in its eleventh edition. Year on year, the festival has been getting bigger and more widely known. One of the reasons why the festival began in the first place was the area’s connection with Jane Austen, as her niece Cassandra Jane Knight is buried alongside her husband Lord George Hill in the Conwal Parish Church graveyard. Two more nieces, Louisa and Marianne, are buried in Tully graveyard in Ramelton.
This year, we have expanded out to a six-day festival starting on Tuesday, October 13, running until Sunday, 18th October. The Gala event for the Literary Festival is a Jane Austen Evening taking place in Castle Grove House Hotel on Saturday at 8pm.
In preparation for this event, we had an online meeting with representatives from the Greater Philadelphia branch of The Jane Austen Society of North America. Their advice is invaluable as we prepare for our Jane Austen night, which will feature readings from her work, music, songs, and dancing from the Austen era.