Fingal County Council celebrates opening of new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Donabate

Following almost 12 months of construction works, the brand new €1.5 million Donabate Pedestrian Bridge was officially opened today by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O’Leary, and Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly.

The Donabate Pedestrian Bridge spans the Dublin-Belfast railway line, providing a safe, segregated cycle and pedestrian route, and linking the developing areas of Corballis East and Corballis West. The bridge will improve the off-road connection between the train station and Newbridge Demesne. Connecting the Donabate area internally with this bridge for walking and cycling will shorten local journey times to school, shops, restaurants, public transport and sports amenities. It will also support people in choosing active ways of getting around, contributing to cleaner air and enhancing village life.

Part 8 public consultation took place in late 2019, and in August 2023 the bridge design was accepted by the Commission for Railway Regulation. Following completion of a procurement process, Jons Civil Ltd were appointed to complete the work on behalf of Fingal County Council. They worked alongside the Fingal team and design and engineering consultants O’Connor Sutton Cronin to deliver the new bridge. Construction was completed in September this year and officially opened on October 10th 2025.

Speaking at the opening, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary said “Today’s opening marks a significant day for Donabate. This bridge connects more than just two sides of a railway - it connects families, friends, schools and neighbours, and provides a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists. Well done to all involved in bringing this project to completion”.

In the near future, the bridge will also form a connection to nearby greenways, including Broadmeadow Way and the proposed Fingal Coastal Way, boosting sustainable travel across the Donabate Peninsula. It spans 26.5 metres and has an overall length of 33 metres, with lighting and drainage systems installed to ensure safety and usability year round.

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Today marks a significant step forward for Donabate and for Fingal as a whole. The opening of this bridge represents our ongoing commitment to sustainable transport, active travel, and the creation of connected, vibrant communities. I want to thank everyone involved in delivering this project, which stands as a testament to what we can achieve together through forward-thinking planning and strong community support."

Joe Seymour, Assistant Director for Transport Planning and Investment at the National Transport Authority said: ‘The NTA is delighted to have supported Fingal County Council in the delivery of this new pedestrian and cycling bridge for Donabate. This is a vital piece of infrastructure that provides for much needed connectivity for the local community and gives people more choice when it comes to choosing sustainable and active travel for their everyday journeys. Fingal has ambitious plans for its active travel network, and I look forward to seeing it progress and develop in the coming years.