Big step forward for Fintra Bridge as green light is given to go to tender

The Fintra Bridge replacement and road realignment project has been given the green light to proceed to tender. 

This major project has been in the pipeline for many years, with design, public consultation and land purchase all haven taken time to complete.

News of reaching the tender stage is very welcome in south west Donegal. 

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh Kennedy (Ind) said: "At last! I am delighted to announce that the Department has given us the go-ahead to proceed to e-tender to appoint a contractor for Fintra bridge and road re-alignment.

"This multi million euro project has been in the pipeline for many years, I am delighted to have been working on this project every step of the way.

"The reason why I never made it a local election issue was because the process was at a very sensitive stage and we didn't want to jeopardise anything.

"I want to sincerely thank the Council roads department for their persistence and dedication throughout the entire process.

"I know many of you did query it on the doorsteps and some brought it up on radio during the election as a failure to deliver.

"Anyone who ever asked about it got the same answer. Yes this is happening.

"So now the tender application goes live and let's proceed."

The new road alignment was designed to take account of environmental, economic and road safety factors, and will include a cycle and pedestrian path, part of which will be formed by the current road. 

Significant realignment work will run from the Killybegs roundabout to the holiday homes west of the bridge. 

In a presentation to councillors in the Municipal District (MD) of Donegal at an earlier stage of the project, Gillian Dempsey of Donegal County Council explained why such a major realignment was necessary.

“There are six substandard bends along that route,” said Ms Dempsey. “The bridge itself is narrow and has a yield system.”

Three options were taken to an appraisal stage.

“One problem addressed was that the road was unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists," she said "That is why we took in the cycle path on the old road.”

She explained that criteria for selection were economic impact; safety - not too long and straight or the approach to the school would be too fast; environment - air quality, sound, visual quality, recorded monuments, vernacular interest, pedestrian and cycleways along to the school.

Ms Dempsey said council staff had engaged with landowners to accommodate as much of their wishes as possible.