Further Four Lane project delay ‘defies logic’

The Four Lane project in Letterkenny has been hit with ANOTHER delay.

The road works, between the Polestar and Dry Arch Roundabouts on the N56, will continue until ‘later this year’.

Long since beset by delays, the project was initially due for completion last August. Although officials were then confident that the works would be completed by this August, that will not now be the case.

After being hit by an initial delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, work began in June, 2021, but the works have been hit by a series of frustrations.

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Councillor Gerry McMonagle raised the matter at the July meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.

"I have done that job myself for years and I honestly don't know what is taking them so long,” Councillor McMonagle said.

"They are tying steal, pouring a concrete wall and shuttering it. It seems to be taking an age.”

Councillor McMonagle acknowledge that the project ‘looks really well’ on the approach to Letterkenny, but described it as having ‘some dangerous parts’ going the other way.

“This should not be happening and I am starting to wonder how it is going to look,” he said. “What is taking them to long? It defies logic.”

A workshop, proposed by Councillor Liam Blaney, will now be held. The contractor will be in attendance to discuss the matter.

David Mcllwaine, Senior Executive Engineer for Donegal County Council told the meeting that the Four Lane project was around 90 per cent completed.

A Donegal County Council spokesperson said about the project: "The works are well advanced towards completion,  with recent work involving placement of final road surfacing over a substantial section of the scheme along with signage, lining, landscaping, minor finishing and snagging etc. ongoing

"One significant element of works, the construction of a flood protection structure with cantilevered boardwalk over the river Swilly embankment, remains to be completed.

"This structure is located across from the Cullion Road junction. Following completion of this structure, construction of the remaining elements of the project at this location will progress, including the completion of the central median separating inbound/outbound traffic, final road surfacing with associated signing/lining works etc.

"It is expected that these works will be completed Autumn 2023."