THE Regional Manager of the IDA has said it is vital that work to finish key infrastructure projects around Letterkenny is completed as soon as possible.
Mr Joe McHugh told the Donegal News work such as the completion of footpaths on the Business Park at Lisnennan, the roundabout at Pramerica and landscaping of other roundabouts approaching the town needed to be finished in order to satisfy existing businesses and to present Letterkenny in the best possible way to new clients.
SERIOUS PROBLEMS
His comments came amid claims from the Chairman of the Tidy Towns Committee that the Council is 'dragging its heels' on such work.
Mr Jim McCormick said there was still some serious problems with some of the roads around the town, especially Pearse Road, Blaney Road and the road outside the Mount Errigal Hotel.
Letterkenny has been invited to take part in an All-Ireland Best Kept Towns Competition but Mr McCormick has questioned whether or not they should take up the invitation.
He also highlighted problems with unauthorised advertising signs from pubs, clubs and businesses as a particular difficulty.
While he stressed the lack of such work wasn't in itself hindering inward investment into the town the IDA Regional Manager did stress it was "important the location was presented in the best possible way".
ATTRACTIVE TO INVESTORS
"Letterkenny and Donegal is competing with other locations and it is important the town is attractive for inward investment.
The County Council, Town Council and the Tidy Towns Committee have made excellent progress over the last few years but there are still challenges to be worked on.
"It is important outstanding work is done quickly and timely to satisfy our existing businesses and to attract new clients." Mr McHugh said.
"The early completion of footpaths and landscaping on the Lisnennan Business Park Road and finishing the roundabout at Pramerica are just two such projects that need to be addressed.
"The IDA has worked closely with all the relevant local authorities and we have made good progress to deal with a range of matter such as roads, gap sites and roundabouts but there are still challenges to be addressed," he added.
Mr McHugh acknowledged the Tidy Towns Committee had been very successful in recent years and the Council had played its role but further work was required.
