Taoiseach hails Narrow Water Bridge as a 'game-changer' during visit to construction site
Narrow Water Bridge will be a “a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism”, the Taoiseach has said.
Simon Harris was on the site of the new bridge as construction officially got underway.
He was joined by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who set up the Shared Island Fund which is contributing over €100m to the project, and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan.
Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd was also in attendance.
When complete, the 195m cable-stayed bridge will connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath, with Narrow Water near Warrenpoint, providing a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River.
It is designed for vehicular, cycle and pedestrian traffic and will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 Omeath.
It will also have the ability to open to allow for the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.
Mr Harris said that the Shared Island Unit had been set up “to bring about visionary projects for the whole island that had long been sought after but not yet realised”.
He added: “I want to pay tribute to the communities and politicians from all parties and none in both Ireland and Northern Ireland who campaigned for a Narrow Water Bridge for decades.
"The mountains meet the sea all along this stretch of stunning coastline and this bridge will be a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism in this part of our shared island.”
Mr Martin added: “When I first established the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, there was one project that was always front and centre of my mind - the Narrow Water Bridge.
"This project is a clear physical manifestation of the philosophy underpinning Shared Island. It embodies our ambition for reconciliation, a closer relationship between North and South, and progress.
"Today is the realisation of a vision long shared across this stretch of water, delivering on the desire of both communities to reach out, to connect and to grow together.”
Minister O’Dowd also welcomed the move to construction.
He said: “This is an historic and significant day for the people of this area.
"I have no doubt that this new bridge will be a game-changer for many reasons. The bridge will provide a poignant symbol of connection between the north and south.
"It will play its part connecting communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough and in doing so it will create opportunities for local tourism, as well as the local economy by providing an increase in visitor footfall and employment levels.
"It will serve as a vital element of cross-border active travel while facilitating greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes and beaches in the Carlingford Lough region.
"This new landmark is a perfect example of the difference infrastructure projects can make in people’s lives.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD said: “In linking the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down with the Cooley Peninsula in Co. Louth, this bridge will serve not just as a physical infrastructure project but a symbol of community, togetherness and hope. It is funded by the Shared Island Fund, and it embodies the vision, values, and purpose of that fund perfectly.”
Minister of State Malcom Noonan TD said: “The project is already creating new opportunities and deepening connections between communities on both sides of the border. It is a testament to Louth County Council and officials in my own department and one that will endure as an outstretched hand of friendship between communities.”
Chief Executive of Louth County Council Joan Martin said: “I am delighted to welcome the commencement of works at the Narrow Water Bridge site, a project which will provide an unprecedented boost to the cross-border region as a whole. It has been a long-standing strategic priority for Louth County Council, which will deliver a key piece of infrastructure, improving access to the wealth of tourist attractions we have in this area. This historic bridge will stand as a symbol of the connections that bind communities north and south.”