Narrow Water Bridge will be delivered ‘on time and on budget’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Construction of the first ever bridge to span Carlingford Lough is on target to be completed by late 2027, local councillors heard at the June meeting of Louth County Council.

Work is well underway to install the 195-metre cable-stayed bridge linking County Louth and County Down at Narrow Water near Warrenpoint in County Down, providing the first direct cross over at Carlingford Lough for traffic and pedestrians.

Speaking at the council’s monthly meeting, Independent Councillor, Maeve Yore sought an update on the project, asking if it was “on time and on budget.”

Director of Services, David Jones, explained the construction of the cross border bridge is a three and a half year project, of which the first year has already been completed.

He explained that that it was set to be delivered on time, and is on budget.

The meeting also heard from a number of local councillors who argued they should have been invited to a recent visit by Taoiseach, Michael Martin to the site in Omeath.

Deputy Chief Executive, Thomas McEvoy, told members the meeting had been a private visit organised by the Taoiseach’s office, and was not organised by Louth County Council. He added that they had been asked to give a presentation on the progress which has been made so far.

The project, which has been costed at over €100m, is a flagship project of the government’s Shared Island Fund, aimed at increasing connectivity in the east border region, and providing an economic and tourism boost.