Work to start building a new bridge on the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal will start later this week.
The Defence Forces has confirmed to Ocean FM News today that they have been requested to help build the bridge along with the County Council.
Material to build the bridge on the R240 between Muff and Quigley’s Point will arrive into Finner Camp tomorrow.
Donegal County Council requested help from the Defences Forces last week.
Members of the 28th Infantry Battalion based at Finner camp arrived to help with the clean-up operation in Inishowen on Friday.
Speaking to Ocean FM News today, the officer commanding the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Albert Cusack says good progress has been made but it will take time for people to be able to return to their homes:
And one of those tasks that the Council asked for help with just yesterday is building a new bridge on the R240 between Muff and Quigleys Point.
It was completely destroyed last week along with a number of other bridges on the peninsula.
Last week the Defence Forces and the Council flew over the peninsula to get an idea of the worst affected areas and this road was deemed a priority especially as schools get set to return.
Lietenant Colonel Cusack says they are happy to be able to help with this project:
Donegal County Council says it faces a huge bill to repair the road network.
Up to 50 families have registered as being displaced – with a warning it could take some time for them to return home.
The council’s Deputy Chief Executive is John McLaughlin:
Meanwhile the clean-up operation continues with a number of other Ministers visiting the region today.
The Minister for Sport Brendan Griffin arrived earlier to assess the damage done to local sporting clubs on the peninsula.
Ballyliffin Golf Club is to be the home to the Irish Open next year and Minister Joe McHugh was on his way there with Minister Griffin when he spoke to Ocean FM News earlier.
He says the longer you stay in the area the more damage you see:
