Councillor describes dual carriageway as ‘nothing short of a disgrace’

The comment was made in relation to safety concerns and visibility along the road

Published 20th Jul 2026, 13:50 BST Google Maps The comment was made in relation to safety concerns and visibility along the road Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

A councillor has described the Letterkenny dual carriageway as “nothing short of a disgrace” because of overgrown grass.

The dual carriageway connects to the Manorcunningham Roundabout via a 2km stretch along the N13.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Donal Coyle tabled a motion requesting that the council cut the grass along the road’s central reservation, particularly around Trimragh junction.

“Where vision lines are impaired by grass, that is certainly a safety issue,” Cllr Coyle stated.

Fellow party member Councillor Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly strongly agreed and seconded the motion. “I'm all for biodiversity, but there are certain areas that can be used for that. The dual carriageway looks a mess; it's nothing short of a disgrace.

“I don't think a dual carriageway is the right place for biodiversity. I would personally love to see action before September.”

Read More Donegal County Council approves 'vibrant' Letterkenny apartment block Call to ‘reinstate safe overtaking areas’ between Letterkenny and Fintown Disagreement as councillor blames active travel for Letterkenny's traffic Timeline confirmed for erecting bollards at Letterkenny estate Senior Executive Engineer David McIlwaine said the decision to keep the grass is both economic and biodiversity-related.

“If we cut it now, we will need to do it again in October. It is not causing safety risks at the moment; it doesn’t block vision lines.”

Councillor Coyle had also raised concerns about visibility at the Manorcunningham Roundabout, due to overgrown trees. “ Coming off the dual carriageway, traffic going to Lifford is meant to take the right lane, but many don’t. I think there needs to be a sign to point out the direction of the lanes.”

The council responded that a safety assessment had been carried out and would be circulated.

Related topics: Manorcunningham Letterkenny Donal ’Mandy’ Kelly Donal Coyle Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.