Fingal County Council has announced the official opening of the upgraded Portmarnock Rail Bridge, creating a vital link between Drumnigh Manor and Skylark Place.
This new shared walking and cycling route offers residents a safe, sustainable, and healthy way to travel, supporting Fingal’s commitment to climate action and active travel.
The opening was marked with a ribbon cutting by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly and Director of Infrastructure and Transport at Fingal County Council, Matthew McAleese.
Previously fenced off and unused, the bridge has been transformed into a high-quality, two-way footpath and cycleway.
The project was funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and complements initiatives such as the cycling bus to St. Marnock’s NS, making school journeys safer and greener.
Works to upgrade the bridge began in November 2025 and were completed in just four weeks, overcoming numerous challenges posed by its location over the live Dublin–Belfast railway line.
The upgrade works extend over approximately 34 metres and include a bridge width of 3.35 metres.
Key works included clearing vegetation, improving bridge parapets, installing fencing, bollards and kerbs, surfacing the bridge deck, upgrading footpaths, and adding new lighting.
Opening the bridge, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary said: “I’m delighted to be here today for what is a proud and exciting moment for Portmarnock.
“Watching local schoolchildren walk and cycle across this new bridge is a wonderful reminder of why projects like this matter.
“It gives people the chance to move safely, enjoy the fresh air and choose healthier ways to travel.
“This bridge is an invitation to leave the car behind and make walking and cycling part of everyday life.”
The railway overbridge is owned by Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), and serves the Shannon Homes development located to the west and the Evara development to the east.
The project team in Fingal worked closely with Irish Rail’s technical staff to agree the bridge design and ensure all works adjacent to the electrified DART lines were carried out to the highest safety standards.
Fingal County Council’s Property Services team also undertook significant work to secure the necessary legal agreements with three separate landowners.
EGIS acted as the designers and Project Supervisor for the Design Stage (PSDP), while Jons Civil Engineering Ltd. (JCEL) was appointed as contractor and Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly stated: “This pedestrian bridge demonstrates how local connectivity projects play a vital role in delivering Fingal’s vision for sustainable transport.
“By linking Drumnigh Manor and Skylark Place, we’re making it easier and safer for residents to walk and cycle instead of relying on the car for short trips.
“These kinds of connections are essential for creating healthier communities and reducing congestion. Every step we take towards active travel brings us closer to a greener, more connected Fingal.”
The bridge, once an agricultural cattle pass, now links two growing residential areas and provides a short, attractive walk to Portmarnock Train Station, significantly improving local connectivity and access to sustainable transport options.
By encouraging walking and cycling, the project will help reduce car dependency, lower emissions, and improve air quality in the area.
Conor Geraghty, Head of Active & Sustainable Travel Investment, National Transport Authority said: “The NTA is delighted to have supported Fingal County Council in the delivery of the Portmarnock Rail Bridge.
“Transforming a former cattle-pass into a high?quality pedestrian and cycle link is exactly what sustainable development is about, repurposing existing infrastructure to create safer, more accessible routes for people walking, wheeling, and cycling while enhancing the local area.
“Delivered in collaboration with Fingal County Council, Irish Rail, developers, and contractors, this project strengthens local connectivity, supports healthier travel methods, and is already proving its value through strong community uptake, showcasing the real and immediate benefits of investing in active travel.”
Minister for Transport & Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “I am delighted to officially open the upgraded Portmarnock Rail Bridge today.
“This project, delivered through Department of Transport funding of almost €150,000, will make cycling, walking and scooting in the area safer and more convenient, particularly for children.
“The safety of vulnerable road users is of paramount importance to the Government, and this project now provides residents with a safe and sustainable way to travel with easy access to the train station and new linear park.
“I would like to commend Fingal County Council, the NTA, the consultants and construction firms for their completion of this project, and to thank the local community for their support.”