Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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128.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if information will be provided in relation to Fintra Bridge, Fintra, Killybegs, County Donegal which has been in the planning stage for some time; the status of the works; the timeframe for works to start and finish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25036/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.

The R263 Fintra Road project involves the upgrade of the R263 road for approximately 1.4km, improving road safety by providing a new road alignment and cross-section to current design standards. Active travel facilities will also be provided as part of the scheme.

My Department has provided grant assistance to Donegal County Council for the planning and design of the R263 Fintra Bridge and Road Realignment Project. Part 8 planning and CPO approval has been obtained. Donegal County Council are currently finalising the detailed design of the scheme and set to undertake the tender process of the main construction contract in Q3 2024. Subject to a successful tender process, construction should then commence.

The Department will continue to liaise with the Council in relation to progression of the scheme and as programme budgets allow. In 2024, the scheme received an allocation of €1.5 million.