A call has been made for work to be completed once and for all at the bridge joining Stranorlar and Ballybofey.
Cllr Patrick McGowan, Cathaoirleach of Stranorlar Municipal District has called on the TII & Donegal County Council to explain the delay in completing the new footbridge.
He has demanded that all works are completed without further delay.
He fumed “Since the schools opened in September there have been hundreds of students and other pedestrians crossing this bridge daily.
“Weekends can be as busy with pedestrians and traffic trying to pass one another in this restricted space when one side of the bridge is fenced off due to the construction.”
He added that everyone appreciates that the site itself is very restrictive for workers and that there are other health and safety factors.
“Unexpected delays on the contractor including the restrictions of not being allowed traffic lights on the bridge due to traffic stop-go works on the Donegal Road is adding to the delays. A clear finish date is required immediately. Any further delay would be totally unacceptable.”
Below is an update from National Roads desiExecutive senior Executive engineer Rodger Ryan.
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The completion of the Finn footbridge has been delayed as a result of a number of technical issues which have arisen during construction and there are a number of contract items that the Council are concluding with the Contractor over the next week. I would like to give you assurances that we are engaged with the contractors, Deane Public Works Ltd., in progressing the scheme and reaching completion in advance of the busy upcoming Christmas shopping season. At this stage the remaining work involves completion of the parapets and installation of bridge lighting which will be completed in the coming weeks.
We are acutely aware of the urgency in having the bridge open to the public and appreciate the patience of all concerned. The new footbridge will provide a much needed pedestrian crossing over the Finn which will be of great benefit to the local people, school pupils and visitors and it is something that has been fought hard for over a number of years for the twin towns. The work is being done to a high quality and standard and will cost in the region of €800,000 and is fully funded by TII.
