The €12 million Fintra Bridge and Road Realignment Project in County Donegal has officially commenced.

The project will see the upgrade and realignment of the approximately 2km of the existing R263 from the western end of the Glenlee Pass towards Fintra. 

It shall also include a new bridge crossing over the Fintra River and the creation of a new pedestrian and cycle route to link to Fintra Beach.

Donegal County Council has appointed BAM Civil Ltd as contractor for the works, while ARUP have now been appointed as project consultant for stages 6 and 7, following on from Roughan O'Donovan, who was consultant for stages 1 to 5.

Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, welcomed the investment in the project: "This project will see the construction of a new bridge and the re-alignment of a section of regional road with active travel facilities from Killybegs to the well-known Fintra Beach which is a hugely popular attraction in South-West Donegal. There are several bends on this existing stretch of road, while the bridge itself is extremely narrow. 

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"Thanks to the staff at Donegal County Council for their work to date, and to the landowners for their positive engagement. I look forward to this project being completed and seeing a new section of road that will be much safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of Transport added: "The Department of Transport is delighted that the R263 Fintra Bridge and Road Realignment Scheme has reached this significant milestone. This project will enhance connectivity and improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, between Killybegs and Fintra Beach, including improved access to Fintra National School and the Killybegs GAA Club. We would like to extend our thanks to our colleagues in Donegal County Council for advancing this important project."