Call to block Kilmacrennan speed limit increase

A proposal to increase the speed limit through Kilmacrennan from 50km/h to 60km/h has been strongly opposed amid renewed calls for urgent traffic calming in the village. Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Pauric McGarvey, described the proposed increase as “completely imprudent” and called for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to be held responsible for current dangers on the N56. He said the existing 50km/h limit is already not being adhered to, leaving residents in “constant fear” when crossing the road to access local shops, pubs and other services. “The current proposal to increase the speed limit from 50km/h to 60km/h through Kilmacrennan is completely imprudent,” Cllr McGarvey said. “I ask that all members here support the people of Kilmacrennan and don't have this speed limit increased.” Cllr McGarvey said traffic safety in the village has been the subject of repeated council motions for years, yet he has seen no action on calls for measures such as speed cameras or a flashing speed sign. “If the TII are responsible for this road, we as members need this council to hold them responsible and highlight that urgent intervention must be taken by them," he said. “The crossroads has seen many accidents and, surprisingly, no one has been killed,” he said. He called for “whatever traffic calming is needed” to be installed to ensure motorists slow down through the village. Cllr Liam Blaney backed the motion and raised concerns about motorists trying to join the N56. “To see some of the traffic trying to get out onto the N56, it's surprising there are not more accidents,” he said. The local authority confirmed that arrangements can be made to write to TII following the passing of Cllr McGarvey's motion.