Blackspot safety hopes

The most notorious stretch of road in Inishowen could soon be a lot safer, the Inish Times can reveal today. It has emerged that Donegal County Council are in the process of making an application to the Department of Transport for “substantial funding” to extend the crash barrier at Lisfannon. The dangerous bend at Lisfannon has been the scene of many accidents over the years, resutling in a large number of fatalities. Local residents and road safety organisations have been campaigning for a long time for the crash barriers to be extended. The funding application was revealed following a question submitted to the council by Councillor Rena Donaghey. Councillor Donaghey asked when crash barriers will be erected at Rock Head, Burnfoot and the one at Lisfannon extended. In a written reply, John G McLaughlin, of the Roads and Transportation Services, said the council “notes the recent accident at Lisfannon along with the many previous tragedies in the immediate area”. He continued: “Following this and representations made by members of the public and councillors, including Councillor Donaghey, the Council has reviewed the overall alignment of the area, the signage and safety barriers and is in the process of making an application to the Department of Transport for substantial funding to remedite this lcoation. “Councillors will be advised as the matter progresses.” Regarding the crash barriers at Rockhead, Burnfoot, Mr McLaiughlin said an application has been forwarded. He said: “The R238 between Tooban and Burnfoot has been reviewed and is included in an application for funding under the DOEHLG (Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government) Scheme for Low Cost Accidents.