Funding concern after another close call at Donegal Town school - Donegal Daily

A Donegal Town councillor is demanding answers over stalled school safety works after another worrying incident at a busy pedestrian crossing.Independent Cllr J...

A Donegal Town councillor is demanding answers over stalled school safety works after another worrying incident at a busy pedestrian crossing.

Independent Cllr Jimmy Brogan says another concerning incident at the traffic lights outside Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala this week has prompted fresh calls for the Active Travel scheme to finally get moving.

Nobody was injured in the latest incident, but road safety outside Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala has been a longstanding concern.

The area often has reports of speeding, motorists ignoring traffic signals and dangerous conditions for children crossing the busy road.

In May 2024, a child was hospitalised after being struck by a car on Upper Main Street, near the school.

Safe Routes to School improvements were approved in May 2025, following years of calls for action.

Almost 18 months later, the release of funding is the final hurdle before works can begin.

Cllr Brogan said he contacted senior roads officials at Donegal County Council on Thursday to establish what was holding up the project.

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"I have been told that everything is in place for the work to start, except the money," Cllr Brogan said.

The proposed Active Travel scheme will introduce wider footpaths, upgraded pedestrian crossings and traffic-calming measures along the busy R267.

Cllr Brogan explained that the scheme would narrow the road from near the Donegal Community Hospital towards St Patricks Church , running outside the national school's buildings, which are located a couple of hundred yards apart.

R-267 Donegal Town Safe Routes to School Active Travel Project

The works had been expected to begin this year, but the project is still awaiting funding through the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Cllr Brogan said: "We need the department to allocate the money, which we hoped would have been done already.

"The problem is that we don't know when that will be, but we hope it happens soon."

Cllr Brogan has also submitted a Parliamentary Question to the Minister and hopes to receive a response next week.

"All we can do is keep in touch with the Minister's office and the NTA and hope the funding is awarded as soon as possible."