An artist’s impression of the Narrow Water Bridge
Local Fianna Fáil TD Seamus Kirk has called on the government to keep the Narrow Water Bridge on the political agenda.
Plans for the proposed bridge – which would link Omeath and Warrenpoint – were put on hold last year after a funding shortfall was discovered by Louth County Council after tenders were put out.
Seamus Kirk
However, despite this Deputy Kirk feels the bridge is badly needed to give the area an economic boost and has asked governments on both sides of the border to come together to ensure it happens.
“There is growing uncertainty about the future of the Narrow Water project, with funds from the Northern Ireland Executive still to be provided,” the former Ceann Comhairle told the Dáil last week.
“The bridge at Narrow Water linking County Louth and County Down was first proposed in the mid-1970s and received significant support from Fianna Fáil in government, including a major funding commitment. I am extremely anxious to see this project delivered for the communities on both sides.
“The European Union has generously provided significant sums for the construction of the bridge, with the remainder to come from the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. The time has now come for the Minister for Finance and Personnel in Stormont, Mr Simon Hamilton, to give the green light and allow this important project to proceed.
“I have previously raised this matter directly with the Minister and I believe there is progress to be made. The project might be stalled at this point but I sincerely hope the Government can succeed in keeping it on the political agenda and that it is not effectively abandoned. It must be kept as a priority project.
“It is a hugely symbolic and iconic project that would do much to build the peace process in the Border counties. There is a need to set up a cross-Border tourism agency to develop such areas as Louth, Monaghan, south Armagh and south Down. The building of the bridge would add an integral infrastructural dimension to the process.
“The key focus would be on establishing this unique area with a clear strategy for developing the area for tourism. This will lead to both job creation and economic stimulation.
“The region offers a unique mix of history, culture, shopping and scenery. With a co-ordinated approach, this area has massive potential and will also strengthen the links between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.”
The Knockbridge man concluded: “I urge examination of the development of an economic zone between Dundalk and Newry on a joint basis.”
