Urgent call for Letterkenny slipway to allow rescue volunteers access River Swilly

Donegal County Council has been urged to engage with the OPW in order to build a new access site for lifeboats on the River Swilly.

The lack of a slipway into the river in Letterkenny came to light recently during a missing person search.

A meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District on Tuesday was informed that when the tide is out, the nearest place where volunteers can put a boat into the water is in Ramelton.

“The river Swilly runs through the whole of Letterkenny, and the fact we haven't got an access slipway to put a dinghy in is unbelievable, to be honest,” Councillor Gerry McMonagle told the meeting.

Councillor McMonagle asked the council to make a strong case to the OPW for an access site between the Port Bridge and Oldtown Bridge.

He implored the council to point out the tragic circumstances that have led to the need for a slipway for emergency services.

Councillor Mc Monagle called for a sense of urgency to the case. He said: “If it happens and we get search and rescue there quicker, it could be a different outcome and families are not waiting for days."

Donegal County Council representatives of the Letterkenny-Milford MD agreed to convey the request to the OPW.