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THE GOVERNMENT HAS announced €3 million in funding to progress work on the cross-border Narrow Water Bridge between the Mourne mountains and the Cooley peninsula.
The money from the Shared Island Fund will see the project brought to tender stage, based on the current design of the bridge and existing planning permission.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said further funding will be allocated from the Shared Island Fund once the due diligence process has been completed and the final costs of the project are determined.
Planning permission is in place for a 280m cable-stayed bridge, anchored by two towers at either end, for car and cycle traffic.
The proposed bridge would connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway in Northern Ireland with the R173 at Omeath in the Republic and would have the ability to allow for passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.
Martin said: “I am delighted that work on the Narrow Water Bridge is now progressing, supported by funding from the Shared Island Fund.
This project was first proposed decades ago, and has been a long-standing and highly symbolic Government commitment, as reflected in the Stormont House-Fresh Start and New Decade New Approach agreements.
“I am determined that the repeated commitment to build the Narrow Water Bridge will now be delivered upon.”
Martin continued: “The bridge will link the Mourne Mountains and Cooley peninsula, providing huge tourism and connectivity boosts in the east border region, and will act as a key enabler for improved cross-border active travel and recreation activities including the development of greenways, walking trails and park amenities.
“The Narrow Water Bridge is a true all-island project, with strong cross-party political support north and south. It will open up new and exciting opportunities, with huge potential for the local and wider economy.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien added: “The Narrow Water Bridge has been a Government priority for many years and I am very pleased that through the Shared Island Fund, this project can now begin in earnest.
“Local authorities in the east border region have played a key role in advocating for the Narrow Water Bridge over the past five decades, recognising the huge symbolic, economic and social importance of the project to the people living there.”
Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon said: “I am delighted to welcome this long-awaited progress on the iconic Narrow Water Bridge. The Narrow Water Bridge brings with it the potential for huge opportunities for tourism and connectivity to the local area of Carlingford Lough and right across our island.
“Today’s announcement of funding will be crucial in moving the project forward and getting delivery on the ground.”
Subject to all the required processes, construction of the project is expected to begin in 2023.
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No way are these inmates afraid to talk to inspectors, they are experts at manipulation and complaining, and the “prison watchdog” will run with it to justify its existence and big salaries.
@Raymond Barry: experts at complaining? Sure they’re only trotting after you.
It appears to me that to say that a black prisoner is a ‘raisin in a bowl of rice’ is not racist, not even a micro aggression, just a rather poetic way of referring to a difference in a prison where no more than 8% of prisoners were from ethnic minorities. But, as my mother taught me, ‘It is easy to sleep on another man’s wound’.
@Patrick Brompton: nah, it’s racist.
@Mac Muinteoir: It is absolutely not racist!! Get a grip!
What a load of b…Ollix.
Prison officers.. the highest paid unskilled (sorry 6 weeks training doesn’t qualify as skilled workforce) in the country ..
@Paul Doyle: you do it so
@Paul Doyle: If it’s so easy Paul to get the highest salary with no input then tell me why you didn’t jump feet first to secure this lucrative job or maybe the fact it takes three years including work placements, probationary period and obtaining a higher certificate in custodial care and practice might have put you off, not to mention that thousands apply for these positions when recruitment commences and not all are suitable or have the professionalism , tolerance or maturity to deal with society’s most offensive individuals. Frankly I don’t think they are paid well enough for what they do, at least at some stage the prisoners get out while the officers do life to the point of retirement.
@Honeybee: thousands apply for exactly the reasons I mentioned above
@Paul Doyle: there all guarda rejects and messed up army recruits
@Paul Doyle: lol nonsense.
A 3rd level qualification in Custodial Care is now required, along with Control & Restraint training & 3yrs training as a Recruit Prison Officer before they become Prison Officers.
Speaking about a job you clearly understand nothing about, would seem a little ignorant & uneducated to me Paul. A very tough job dealing with some very dangerous & violent individuals, keeping you safe.
@Ellie Mae: shameful insult to my husband who is neither thanks very much – seems you’re actually a school reject Ellie Mae – it’s Guard or Garda
@Ellie Mae: they’re,not there,Garda,not Guarda……….sounds like someone failed to get past the written exam,the procedure for recruitment is a very thorough process ,the IPS don’t go out and trawl the streets looking for candidates,they have a very deep pool to choose from,now run along and get the last of your Christmas presents and keep your sarky comments to yourself.
@Paul Doyle: you need to know the job before you comment on how un skilled it is.
I suggest you should apply for the job to get you off the armchair and then come back and inform the public how un skilled it is.
@Pádraig O’Faolain: I’m sure he’d be the best warden in the world,he just can’t get past the first part of the exam…..Q1.Name.
Excessive political correctness, just like Papal infallibly is a curse, not a blessing.
Wouldn’t have happened with Gypsy Joe in charge
@Robert O’Neill: leave that poor man alone he was my hero
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