Letterkenny Chamber says they are acutely aware of the ongoing traffic issues affecting the town, and the significant negative impact congestion is having on business revenues, operations,and the wellbeing of business owners and employees.
In a statement, they say they will keep advocating for practical short-term measures to reduce congestion, while supporting the delivery of sustainable, long-term transport solutions for Letterkenny.
Chamber says while they support the principle of active travel, they have consistently maintained that significant Active Travel measures should be progressed only after the completion of the TEN-T project and other key infrastructure improvements.
The Chamber has voiced specific concerns regarding elements of the proposed Active Travel scheme that could have a significant negative impact on traffic flow.
In particular, they highlighted the changes at Tommy Keys Roundabout, and also the proposed road works above Hospital Roundabout.
The statement also highlights that Chamber members share the disappointment that the town bus service has yet to become operational, as they believe it would play an important role in easing current traffic pressures.
The statement concludes that these concerns have been consistently raised by the Chamber during engagements with the relevant authorities, and they remain committed to communicating the views and concerns of their members.
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Statement in full –
The Letterkenny Chamber is acutely aware of the ongoing traffic issues affecting the town and the significant negative impact congestion is having on business revenues, operations, and the wellbeing of business owners and employees.
While we support the principle of active travel, we have consistently maintained that significant Active Travel measures should be progressed only after the completion of the TEN-T project and other key infrastructure improvements.
The Chamber has voiced specific concerns regarding elements of the proposed Active Travel scheme that could have a significant negative impact on traffic flow. In particular, we highlighted the proposed changes at Tommy Keys Roundabout, where the reduction in road space could affect not only daily commuter traffic but also articulated trucks serving the major manufacturing and industrial businesses located in the Letterkenny Industrial Estate.
The Chamber has engaged directly with several of the town’s larger employers on these issues and is confident that the concerns being raised accurately reflect the impact current and proposed traffic measures are having on employee commuting patterns and business operations.
A further concern raised by the Chamber relates to the proposed road works above Hospital Roundabout. This section of road already carries a very heavy volume of traffic and is one of the principal routes out of Letterkenny towards the north. Any further reduction in road capacity at this location has the potential to significantly increase congestion. It is also the primary access route for emergency services travelling to and from Letterkenny University Hospital and serves several local schools, including special educational needs schools, making the efficient movement of traffic particularly important.
We also share the disappointment that the town bus service has yet to become operational, as we believe it would play an important role in easing current traffic pressures. These concerns have been consistently raised by the Chamber during engagements with the relevant authorities.
While the Chamber does not have the authority to resolve these traffic challenges directly, we remain committed to communicating the views and concerns of our members. We will continue to raise these matters with the local authority and other relevant stakeholders, advocating for practical short-term measures to reduce congestion while supporting the delivery of sustainable, long-term transport solutions for Letterkenny.
