Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

"A Tale of Two..........Roundabouts"

Published: 29 August, 2006

Lifford-based Sinn Féin Councillor Tony Mc Daid has this week once again appealed to Donegal Co. Council to acknowledge Lifford's status as the administrative capital of the county by making major environmental improvements to the 'Hospital Roundabout' area of the town.

Cllr Mc Daid said, " Following the recent launch of the impressive 'Polestar' sculpture at the Port Bridge Roundabout in Letterkenny I have been approached by many people in Lifford who believe that their town too is deserving of a sculpture or monument to recognise Lifford's long history as the 'centre of governance' and as the 'Seat of Power'.

I would like to point out that no-one who has spoken to me has been begrudging or critical of the siting of this latest piece of art in Letterkenny as there is general acceptance that the Cathedral Town is now the principal town in the county. I attended the official launch on Thursday last where I passed on my own congratulations to all involved with the project.

However, this community without in any way being parochial is continuing to be deeply concerned with the poor physical appearance of the roundabout at what is commonly known as the' Hospital Corner'. This area is after all the 'Gateway' to the North West Passage and is the first impression of the town that most visitors to Lifford see from any of the advance roads into the town centre."

Cllr Mc Daid continued, "In July 2005 with the imminent approach of Fleadh Cheoil na h-Eireann I very publicly highlighted the unsightly appearance of the roundabout and had a motion passed at Council acknowledging the rich religious, political and historical heritage that Lifford possesses. Indeed a commitment was made at that meeting to set aside funding to recognise the town's special function as the 'centre of governance' but regrettably another Fleadh with tens of thousands of visitors once again entering Donegal from over Lifford Bridge, has come and gone without any significant work being carried out."

Cllr Mc Daid concluded, " It is imperative that funding is ring-fenced to carry out necessary improvements to Lifford Roundabout. After all the Council has been meeting in the town since 1899.