Write a commentA suggestion by Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazard that the Narrow Water Bridge and the Southern Relief Road projects could move to a construction phase in 2019 has resulted in South Down MLA, Sinead Bradley launching a scathing attack on the Minister and his party.
Commenting on the project the Minister said “On becoming the Minister for Infrastructure I set out my strong commitment to take forward key north south projects set out in the Fresh Start Agreement, including the Narrow Water Bridge project and the Ulster Canal. These are projects which could be truly transformative, unlocking the economic and in particular the tourism potential of their local areas.
“Over recent months, working with my Ministerial colleagues in the south and key stakeholders, significant progress has been made on both projects. A meeting is now being arranged with key stakeholders to identify the preferred option for the Narrow Water Bridge project. I am determined this is taken forward as a priority with a view to reaching early agreement and enabling construction to begin by 2019, subject to funding and statutory procedures.”
Minister Hazard added that he has instructed officials to take forward planning and development work on the Newry Southern Relief Road to allow the introduction of the Statutory Orders by 2019 with the proviso that it would be subject to completion of further community engagement and statutory procedures.
Commenting on the announcement South Down MLA Sinead Bradley said, “They promised the A5 and not one inch of road has been built. They promised the A6, which quickly became a road between Randalstown and Castledawson. Today it looks like the Sinn Féin tactic of hollow pre-election promises is already in full swing.
“15 minutes before an election was even called, the outgoing Infrastructure Minister used his department to express his commitment to see construction on Narrow Water Bridge begin by 2019.
“Throughout the embarrassingly short life of this Executive, I asked the Minister several times for an update on Narrow Water Bridge and I was ignored. I don’t think anyone will believe that the project has suddenly become a priority for Chris Hazzard when he hardly mentioned it the entire time he had the power to see it built.
“The priority for the DUP and Sinn Féin has always been and will always be narrow political self-interest. They have no desire to deliver for the people, let alone delivering ambitious infrastructure projects like Narrow Water Bridge. If people want change and delivery, they’ll need to vote for it in March.”
