Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2016
164. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a new bridge at Cockhill Bridge in Buncrana in County Donegal; the amount of funding ring-fenced for the project; when construction will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2653/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
As I explained in my reply to the Deputy to PQ 23461/15 of 17 June, 2015 my Department has approved grant funding of up to €3 million for the regional and local road project at Cockhill Bridge, Buncrana. Safety considerations in respect of this critical access route to the Inishowen Peninsula was paramount in my decision to proceed with the project despite the on-going financial constraints. The timescale for implementation of the project is a matter for Donegal County Council.
