Independent candidate John O’Donnell has said a complete lack of infrastructure across Donegal is hampering the county’s development.
O’Donnell finds it unacceptable that the Glencar area, doesn’t have an adequate playing area for children.
O’Donnell, is calling for more to be done to improve the road network, and while he welcomes the news that public consultation on the A5 dual carriageway gets underway today, he also feels that delays around this project are having a detrimental effect on the county.
In particular, the lack of investment in one of the main arteries into the county, the Lifford to Letterkenny road, has been a key issue over the years, yet the road remains in urgent need of upgrade.
In addition to this, local roads that have been damaged by flooding are still in a state of disrepair.
One such example is the main road from Killylastin to Dr McGinley Road, which is in a very poor condition following flooding.
O’Donnell is keen to stress that infrastructure is not just about roads.
Areas like Glencar, which is largely residential and has a high population of young families and children, don’t have adequate facilities for those families.
There isn’t one adequate play area for children in Glencar, which O’Donnell finds unacceptable.
O’Donnell told Donegal Daily, “A key part of my vision for Donegal is the development of infrastructure within the county. 
“This will not only benefit people living here, it should also increase visitor numbers to the northwest.
“Earlier this month, the government announced that it is to spend €6.5m in the development of three off-road cycle routes in counties Kerry, Galway and Waterford.
O’Donnell believes there is nowhere better placed than Donegal for this type of development and it’s frustrating that the county continues to be overlooked.
He feels a greenway style cycle project would bring thousands of visitors to the northwest every week.
O’Donnell concluded, “Last summer, Taoiseach Enda Kenny suggested that a feasibility study be conducted, with a view towards providing a Greenway on disused railway in the northwest.
“This feels to me like another example of Donegal being sidelined and, at this stage, I want to see action rather than empty promises.