Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has officially opened the new Cockhill Bridge at a celebratory event in Buncrana.
The new Cockhill Bridge was completed earlier this year following 44 years of campaigning by the community and local representatives to fund the infrastructure.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar unveiled an official plaque at a site overlooking the 24m bridge, which was funded by a €3millon government investment.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal Cllr SeamusÓ Domhnaill commended the council and local Inishowen Councillors on their work and paid homage to Minister McHugh and the Taoiseach for delivering the funding.
Speaking at the event, the Taoiseach said:
“Often when I speak I talk about building bridges because I think it’s a metaphor all people understand. Bridges connect people, they overcome chasms and barriers, they allow us to do things differently and better and often more quickly.
“We all benefit from bridges, whether they are real or metaphorical.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking at the opening of Cockhill Bridge, Buncrana
The new Cockhill Bridge was built following years of protests and concerns raised by local residents over the safety of the original bridge, which Varadkar mentioned.
He said: “During my time as Minister for Transport and Tourism, the problem it was brought to my attention by Minister McHugh and others.
“At the time we didn’t have the money to do what needed to be done.
“But because of the enormous sacrifice made by the Irish people during the years and the right policy decisions taken by government we are now in a position to spend again, not just in roads, but also housing, healthcare, broadband and climate change.
“This is one small example of that, €3 million of your money, your taxes, invested and well spent,” the Taoiseach said.
Minister Joe McHugh and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar unveil a plaque at the opening of the new Cockhill Bridge
Mr Varadkar highlighted the journey time-saving benefits, the tourism benefits and the importance of the bridge for the community.
“In the years to come I think this bridge will continue to drive further development in tourism-related business in Inishowen, as well as business and employment in general,” he said.
This new bridge will serve as the main vehicular route for the R238. It was built by Wills Brothers Civil Engineering Contractors and designed by Roughan & O’Donovan.
The opening of the Cockhill Bridge was just one event on the itinerary of the Taoiseach in Donegal today. The bridge opening is to be followed by a meeting with the MICA Action Group and a Business Lunch with the Letterkenny Chamber.
