Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. announces Narrow Water Bridge to proceed to tender for construction phase
Omeath, Co. Louth and Warrenpoint, Co. Down, 18/11/22: Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. today 18th November announced that the Narrow Water Bridge project, a major cross-border initiative which will span the Newry River north of Carlingford Lough, linking the R173 near Omeath in County Louth and the A2 near Warrenpoint in County Down, will proceed to tender for the construction phase of the project.
The project consists of a new cable-stayed bridge with a rolling bascule opening. The single carriageway road and bridge will be 600 metres in length and will have a 20 metre span opening section to facilitate the passage of marine traffic, including tall ships.
In July 2021, the Taoiseach announced €3 million in funding from the Shared Island Fund to advance this cross-border project, based on the current design of the bridge and existing planning permission.
Louth County Council is the lead project partner. A sub-group of the North-South Infrastructure Group has been established to oversee the development of the project, co-chaired by Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Infrastructure. The group, which includes the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, has held ten meetings to-date.
By linking the Mourne Mountains with the Cooley Peninsula, the bridge will boost tourism and connectivity along the East Border region, acting as an enabler for other active travel initiatives in the area, such as the Carlingford-Newry Greenway and the proposed Warrenpoint-Newry Greenway.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. said: “I am delighted that the Narrow Water Bridge is now proceeding to tender stage. This is an important and symbolic project for the North-East, directly connecting the Cooley Peninsula to coastal Co. Down, and a project with strong support from communities on both sides of the border”. “The project also brings significant tourism and economic benefits to the region. Along with improving North-South connectivity, the bridge will be at the heart of a range of cross-border greenways, active travel, recreation and outdoor activity amenities planned for the Carlingford Lough area. “Today’s announcement is an important next step in the delivery of this long-awaited project and another example of the Shared Island Fund in action.”
Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council, said: “Louth County Council is extremely proud to play a leading role in such a vitally important initiative. The Narrow Water Bridge is a true all-island project, with strong cross-party political support both North and South. It will open up new and exciting opportunities, with huge potential for the local and wider economy. I would like to thank the Taoiseach, as well as Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council, for their commitment to this landmark project.”
Marie Ward, Chief Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “A number of project milestones have been achieved year to date, including the commencement of physical works enabling the construction of a compensatory bird roost site, which will allow birds to populate the area for a complete season in advance of the commencement of the main bridge construction works.”
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