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With work progressing on an opening bridge at Narrow Water that will allow tall ships and yachts to access the Albert Basin in Newry, the Department for Infrastructure have said that although the current proposal for the Southern Relief Road Bridge across Newry Ship Canal is based on a 12m fixed bridge, they are considering a range of factors relating to a possible opening bridge at the location. The department also say they are working to ensure coordination between both projects.
Local campaigners have emphasised that a fixed bridge would be catastrophic for the City and would overnight stop the long proud maritime heritage of Newry and ensure the Albert Basin is empty of ships forever. To allow access towards Newry from Narrow Water, only to prevent access just 3 miles up the Canal would certainly be unthinkable.
Newry.ie asked the DFI for an update on the progress of the Southern Relief Road of which the bridge is part of.
The DFI see the Newry Southern Relief Road as a strategically important route that will benefit Newry and the surrounding regions.
A DFI Spokesperson said "Work is continuing in relation to the design of the road and to prepare the draft Statutory Orders, along with an Environmental Impact Assessment Report."
The Spokesperson then added "The current proposal is based on a fixed bridge that will facilitate access for vessels under 12 metres; however, officials are considering a range of factors relating to a possible opening bridge.
“The Department is also working closely with the Irish government, Louth County Council and other stakeholders to deliver the Narrow Water Bridge project and ensure coordination between both projects. The next steps for NSRR are to finalise the draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Impact Assessment Report in advance of public consultation. This is currently scheduled for mid-2023.”
Early work on the Narrow Water Bridge site on the southern side of the border has started with a road created down to the site from the Omeath Road.
