Traffic disruption is expected as motorists will have to follow diversions on minor roads through the Knocks area and with significant crossborder traffic using the route there are concerns about heavy goods vehicles on these roads.

The work is ongoing on the Moorlough road, Donagh which in the past has been notoriously bad for road accidents. The ongoing work is currently underway at the junction with the Derrynawilt road which is a popular stop for buses dropping off and picking up school children. 

It is hoped that the road works will help to improve safety at the junction for both school kids and members of the public. Commenting on the roadworks, Cllr Brian McCaffrey said, “There has been questions raised about some of the changes being made but these changes are designed to improve the safety of children getting on and off buses. 

“There is an ongoing issue at the minute within this area in regard to the need for street lighting. This is required solely from a safety perspective and needs to be installed all the way from the junction up to Donagh village. It’s particularly important now coming into the winter months with school kids changing buses after dark. I have lobbied the road service myself about this issue.”

A spokesman for Road Service confirmed that scheduled work had started on the Moorlough Road and that it would remain closed until Friday 19 October while work was ongoing. Its closure has left local motorists seeking alternate routes and following diversions.

Cllr McCaffrey added, “Some traffic coming from Dublin and heading for Donegal would also use the road as a cut through route via Roslea. The fact that the road is closed will undoubtedly slow traffic down. It is and always has been a notoriously fast road and there have been a number of quite bad accidents over the years.”