FIRST MINISTER PROVIDES UPDATE ON BRIDGE PROJECT

THE First Minister has confirmed that the appointment of a contractor for the construction of Narrow Water Bridge is expected in the coming weeks.

In Stormont last week, Michelle O’Neill provided an update on April’s plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), at which the long-awaited infrastructure project was discussed.

She said that, at the meeting, ministers had “welcomed the announcement in February by the Irish Government of funding of €800 million for Shared Island investment priorities, including €600 million for the A5 western transport corridor, as well as funding for the Narrow Water Bridge, an hourly rail service between Belfast and Dublin and the completion of the cross-border Carlingford greenway”.

“The NSMC noted that a tender process for the main construction works contract for the Narrow Water Bridge was conducted in 2023, and that Louth County Council expects to award the contract to the successful bidder in the first half of 2024,” Mrs O’Neill added.

Local MLA Sinéad Ennis (Sinn Féin) welcomed this, and stated that the bridge is “much anticipated by the people of South Down”.

“The First Minister will know that that project is about more than just infrastructure; it is key to unlocking the huge tourism and economic potential that we have in South Down and across the Carlingford Lough region,” she said.

“Is the minister in a position to provide more detail on the Narrow Water Bridge project?”

Mrs O’Neill responded: “It was discussed.

“It is another important infrastructure project for both administrations.

“The Irish Government announced further Shared Island funding for the construction of the bridge back in February.

“We know that the bridge will facilitate cross-border active travel, including through further development of the network of greenways and of local connectivity.

“Again, like the A5 project, it is a project that has been in the making for many years, so it is great to see progress being made.

“No doubt, the communities in Down and Louth who have campaigned tirelessly for progress will be delighted that their hard work is bearing fruit and that we are seeing advances.”

Colin McGrath MLA (SDLP) then asked the First Minister if she agreed “that the development of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand must extend beyond the border to my constituency of South Down, bringing economic, cultural and historical opportunities?”

Mrs O’Neill stated that she was in agreement with this.

“There is enormous potential there, and our minister with responsibility for tourism, Conor Murphy, is determined to advance that project,” she added.

An application for a marine construction licence that will allow the Narrow Water Bridge works to begin was submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs earlier this year.

The marine licence application stated that the bridge – which will open to allow boats to pass through – will ‘provide a new single carriageway link between Omeath and Warrenpoint’.

The submission also included a detailed list of works that will be undertaken over the 36-month construction period