Repair works underway on two Letterkenny bridges
Repair works on two busy Donegal bridges are expected to be completed in October.
The long-awaited works are taking place at Newmills and Oldtown bridges to address damage while helping to preserve the ageing structures.
€80,000 was secured for rehabilitation works at Newmills Bridge following years of concerns about accidents.
The project was scheduled to commence on the 10th of September and is due to be completed during the week ending the 2nd of October.
Works include strengthening the bridge, removing vegetation, repairing cracks, holes and loose masonry, restoring damaged parapets and repointing the structure.
Cllr Donal 'Mandy' Kelly, who has campaigned for improvements to the bridge, welcomed the investment.
"It's a very iconic bridge that serves a great purpose in the Newmills area and around Glenswilly," Cllr Kelly said.
"I did see a number of accidents where the parapets of the bridge were damaged, and the bridge has been weakened in places."
Cllr Kelly highlighted the bridge's importance as the main access route to the historic Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, which are attracting increasing numbers of tourists.
"A lot of good work has been carried out, with the non-slip surface put in place and also the bollards to protest pedestrians as vehicles turn off the R250," he said.
Cllr Kelly thanked the roads executive, supervisors and area managers within the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District for taking his concerns on board and helping secure the funding.
"I have no doubt it'll be a fantastic job once it's complete," he said.
Meanwhile, night-time works have also been taking place at Oldtown Bridge as part of a programme of repairs to the busy Letterkenny crossing.
The project includes repairs to the bridge's parapet wall. Painting works on the footbridge have already been carried out.
The project is programmed for completion before the end of October.
The timelines were confirmed following questions from Cllrs Donal 'Mandy' Kelly and Tómas Seán Devine at the September meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.