Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced €3 million in funding towards the Narrow Water Bridge linking the Mourne Mountains in Co Down and the Cooley peninsula in Co Louth. The money will come from the Shared Island Fund and will see the project brought to tender stage.
Mr Martin said the project "was first proposed decades ago, and has been a long standing and highly symbolic Government commitment." He was determined "that the repeated commitment to build the Narrow Water Bridge will now be delivered upon".
The bridge would “act as a key enabler for improved cross-border active travel and recreation activities including the development of greenways, walking trails and park amenities” and was “a true all-island project, with strong cross-party political support North and South,” he said.
Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon welcomed "this long-awaited progress on the iconic Narrow Water Bridge".
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It would bring with it "potential for huge opportunities for tourism and connectivity to the local area of Carlingford Lough and right across our island. Today's announcement of funding will be crucial in moving the project forward and getting delivery on the ground," she said.
Planning permission is in place for the 280m cable stayed bridge which will be anchored by two towers at either end, for car and cycle traffic. It will also be able to open up to allow for the passage of ships through to the Newry canal.
Subject to all the usual required processes, construction of the bridge is scheduled to begin in 2023.
Chief executive of Louth County Council Joan Martin said today's announcement was "the culmination of decades of work by council members, officials and local community groups who recognise the huge benefits the Narrow Water Bridge will bring to the area."
The new bridge had “always been a strategic infrastructure priority for the region,and will serve as a structural reminder of the importance of cross-border links,” she said.
Further funding for the project will also be allocated from the Shared Island Fund once due diligence has been completed and final costs have been determined.
