Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach.

I refer to the provision of funding for two bridges in County Donegal, Tyrconnell Bridge in Donegal town and the nearby Fintra Bridge. I acknowledge that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, met a delegation from Donegal municipal district at the end of February, for which I thank him. Both bridges are in a poor state of repair and in need of immediate attention.

Tyrconnell Bridge is located in the centre of Donegal town. It is an old railway bridge and its construction dates back to 1895. It is vital in that it links one part of the town with the other. Unfortunately, it is in a very dangerous state and deteriorating day by day. Donegal County Council carried out a structural survey in 2000, at which point it reduced the load bearing capacity of the bridge to 7.5 tonnes. Twelve years later, owing to ongoing concerns about the deteriorating construction of the bridge, another survey was conducted by the council, as a result of which the load bearing capacity was reduced to 3.5 tonnes. It is probably the case that the construction of the bridge has got even worse since. As I am sure the Minister of State can appreciate, trying to police vehicles traversing the bridge to ensure they are under 3.5 tonnes is a task in itself. It is dangerous. When the repairs are completed, there will be the normal load bearing capacity of approximately 40 tonnes. The council has progressed the issue as far as it can from its own resources and is now seeking funding which could be spread over three years.

Fintra Bridge provides a vital link between the towns of Killybegs, Kilcar, Carrick and Glencolmcille. It is located on the Wild Atlantic Way and a vital piece of infrastructure. It also provides a link with Slieve League, one of the country's premier tourist attractions which last year was visited by over 185,000 people, and with Glencolmcille Folk Park. It is, therefore, of national significance. It is, however, in a poor state or repair. It is so narrow in parts that two vehicles cannot pass each other and numerous accidents have been recorded. As a result, there are tailbacks which are a road traffic hazard and create their own dangers. Using its own resources, Donegal County Council has advanced the project to the point where funding is needed to enable it to be put out to tender.

For the two projects, a figure of €2 million has been mentioned which, I understand, could be provided on a phased based over a three-year period. These are two vital pieces of infrastructure, but, currently, they are hazards and a danger to the public. The last thing we want to see happen is an accident on both. I earnestly request the Department to seriously consider providing funding for both projects as soon as possible.