Sinn Féin pleased at progress made to link Carrickfin airport
Published: 27 June, 2006
Sinn Féin Cllr Pearse Doherty has welcomed the report submitted to the Glenties area meeting of Donegal County Council on the progress of the possible construction of a bridge to link Carrickfin airport with Gweedore.
Cllr Doherty in responding to a progress report concerning his motion that was passed by the Council last year calling for a bridge to be constructed between Carrickfin and Gweedore said:
"I am pleased with the progress and consultation which has taken place regarding a vital and necessary piece of infrastructure if this airport is to realise and capitalise on its true potential. It goes without saying that flights to Dublin and Glasgow to and from Donegal are a welcome boost to the area. However, it must also be acknowledged that the surrounding infrastructure must be of a suitable standard.
"The current journey to Donegal airport could be reduced significantly if we had a bridge connecting Carrickfin and Gweedore. In my estimation the journey could be reduced by 15 minutes for passengers not only from Gweedore, but also from areas like Falcarragh, Creeslough, Kilmacrennan and further afield. But probably most importantly this bridge could reduce the travel time for Letterkenny passengers to just 45 minutes. Donegal airport is the county airport therefore it needs to be accessible to
passengers countywide.
"No one could deny that the growth of the airport has exceeded all expectations and passenger numbers have soared. This is a tribute to the management and staff of the airport who have been able to deliver a first class service. It is now imperative that Donegal County Council and the government ensure that the surrounding infrastructure is of the same standard and suitable to maximise the airports achievement.
"Upgrading of the access to the airport will increase passenger numbers which could in turn allow the airport to look at new routes to England. In the Transport 21 plan the government paid lip service to regional airports along the island, if they are serious about delivery of service they must make firm commitments by laying the groundwork.
"There is a real need for the construction of this bridge and the government need to make the necessary financial contribution or seek European funding for it. I am heartened to see the progress, which has already been made by the council as they have already looked at possible locations to site this bridge and have commenced a draft feasibility report. For my own part I will continue to ensure this issue remains top of the agenda at the highest level possible."
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