An artist’s impression of the Narrow Water Bridge
Local TD Gerry Adams has welcomed a commitment by Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, that the Irish government will use its influence and connections within the EU to support the effort to secure EU funding for the Narrow Water Bridge project.
Sinn Féin MPs Pat Doherty, Michelle Gildernew and Conor Murphy; and TDs Martin Ferris and Sean Crowe attended this morning’s meeting of the Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement Committee.
During the discussions Conor Murphy raised with Minister Donohoe Irish government financial and political support for north-south infrastructure developments, includfing the A5 link to Derry and the Narrow Water Bridge.
Commenting on those discussions, Sinn Féin leader Adams said: “During the Stormont House negotiations at Christmas I raised the Narrow Water Bridge with the Irish government representatives. As a result the government made a renewed commitment to the project.
“This morning Conor Murphy raised the A5 and Narrow Water Bridge with Minister Donohoe. The Newry/Armagh MP specifically asked that the Irish government row in behind the efforts of Louth County Council to secure EU funding as part of the cocktail of funding needed to finance the project.
“I welcome the Minister’s commitment to do this.
“The Narrow Water Bridge is a hugely important infrastructure project for Louth but also for the entire East Border region.
“It will provide jobs for an area in desperate need of them and will be a significant boost to the local economy.
“It would also be a hugely valuable North-South link. It has the support of all of the parties in Louth, south Down and south Armagh.”
