Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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65. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the recent delegation from Donegal County Council in relation to Fintra and Tyrconnell bridges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14005/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Donegal is the statutory responsibility of Donegal County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council’s own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council. Together with my officials, I met with a delegation from Donegal County Council on 27 February to discuss Fintra Bridge and Tyrconnaill Bridge in Donegal. I understand from Donegal County Council that Fintra bridge is structurally sound but is located on a sharp bend and the road width is quite restricted. In relation to Tyrconnaill Bridge, Donegal County Council submitted its application list to my Department for the 2017 Bridge Rehabilitation Programme but Tyrconnaill Bridge was not among the bridges submitted for funding in the 2017 application. No application in respect of this bridge was received by my Department for 2015 or for 2016.

Following the meeting with the Council, my Department is awaiting further information from Donegal County Council in respect of both Tyrconaill and Fintra bridges. All available funding for 2017 has been allocated.