THE Narrow Water Bridge is one of the projects that will benefit from “unprecedented funding” announced by the Irish Government yesterday. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan have announced new funding commitments of over €800 million for Shared Island projects. These include the upgrading of the A5 road, a new Casement Park stadium in Belfast, enhanced rail services between Belfast and Dublin and the Narrow Water Bridge.
The long-anticipated project would see a bridge constructed to link the Mourne Mountains and Cooley peninsula. Planning permission is in place for a distinctive 280m cable-stayed bridge, anchored by two towers at either end, with segregated car, cycle and pedestrian lanes. The bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 Omeath and open to allow for passage of boats through and on to the Newry Canal. A tender process for the main construction works contract for the project was conducted by Louth County Council in 2023. Louth County Council will proceed with the final steps in the procurement process and expect to award the contract to the successful bidder this year. “The return of the power-sharing Executive is hugely important for the people of Northern Ireland and has brought renewed hope for what can be achieved through the Good Friday Agreement,” Mr Varadkar said yesterday. “The funding announced today shows our commitment to working with the new Executive, and with the UK Government, to make the island of Ireland a better place for everyone who calls it home,” he added.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said: “The funding commitments by the Government mean strategically important and iconic projects such as the A5 North-West road corridor, and the Narrow Water Bridge, a powerful symbol and physical connection between North and South, can move forward with real ambition. “The construction of the landmark Narrow Water Bridge will provide a lynchpin for connectivity and sustainable tourism in the Carlingford Lough region.” South Down MP Chris Hazzard said the delivery of this project is key to “unlocking South Down’s potential”. “It is welcome that the Irish Government have committed to delivering €1 billion into strategic infrastructural projects for the north,” Mr Hazzard added. “This includes the iconic Narrow Water Bridge – a long awaited project that can now move forward with real ambition.” His Sinn Féin colleague Sinéad Ennis MLA added: “The Narrow Water Bridge is not just an infrastructure project, it will be transformational and is key to unlocking South Down’s huge potential to create good quality jobs, boost tourism and create a stronger, all-Ireland economy. “Sinn Féin will continue to ensure Narrow Water Bridge is delivered to improve the lives of workers, families and local businesses across South Down.” Yesterday’s funding announcement has also been welcomed by SDLP MLA Colin McGrath. He said the bridge “will create a range of opportunities for people” in South Down and County Louth. “It will not only make it much easier for people travelling between the two areas, but will also open up new possibilities around tourism in the area, with scope for new businesses and investment bringing jobs and other economic benefits,” Mr McGrath stated. “This project would not have been possible without the work of community activists, who have driven this matter over the years. “They deserve credit for their perseverance in ensuring that we were able to get to this stage. I also acknowledge the work of my predecessors PJ and Sinead Bradley who always championed this project.”