Letterkenny salon staff appeal after 'nightmare' accident leaves woman in hospital

The owner of a Letterkenny salon has appealed to Donegal County Council to prohibit cycling on footpaths in the town after a female client was hospitalised on Saturday before her planned trip to a family funeral.

The appeal was made by Catriona O'Donnell from Catriona's Hairsalon in Letterkenny after the “very traumatic incident” and “a nightmare for all involved." Saying it was an accident waiting to happen, she went on to thank the local ambulance services, An Gard Siochana and anyone else who helped, as well as wishing the injured woman a speedy recovery. 

“On Saturday afternoon on Letterkenny Lower Main Street an incident occurred, which probably was only a matter of time before it happened,” she posted.

“Unfortunately for a beautiful young woman who had spent a lovely morning with us getting ready to prepare herself for a journey to the UK for a family funeral, her plans came to a sudden halt.

“On exiting our premises in Lower Main Street and saying her goodbyes, we heard a loud bang and saw our beautiful friend lying on the ground [having been struck] by an oncoming cyclist who had chosen to use the footpath instead of the road.

“With respect to the cyclist, I can understand how dangerous our roads have become, but from seeing already a few close calls similarly and a member of our staff leaving work and almost being mowed down by an e-scooter, we do believe that the footpath is certainly not a safe environment for any bikes or scooters unless being cycled by toddlers.

“In this unfortunate situation, it was a horrendous sight to have to come across and witness. For both parties, it was a nightmare but our friend leaving us, after a lovely morning ended up being hospitalised and unable to make her scheduled flight.

“On speaking to the authorities that attended the scene we were strongly advised to contact our local council and appeal to them for immediate action to all cyclists to stop️ using our footpaths with immediate effect in all towns because this should not be happening.

“In this particular situation, our friend did not stand a chance of exiting to the pavement. At this time we wish our friend a speedy recovery and would like to thank the ambulance service, local gardaí and the people that stopped and supported us all at this time. Once again we could all appeal for our footpaths to be cycle-free and a safe place to use for young and old.

"To our county councillors, could you please promote signage and clampdown with immediate effect? Thanks for the time to read our appeal but this was a very traumatic incident that affected a lot of people and both parties involved. From Catriona and all the girls at Catriona's Hairsalon Letterkenny.”