Narrow Water Bridge prep work underway on Northern side

With the recent visit of political dignitaries, including Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Stormont Minister John O’Dowd, to the site of the Narrow Water Bridge at Cornamucklagh near Omeath, marking the official commencement of construction, work, albeit not structural, has also commenced on the northern side of the border.

Discussions have been ongoing involving project lead, Louth County Council, the Department for Infrastructure and Warrenpoint Harbour Authority regarding the landing of the bridge in the North, provision of slip roads and links to the NI roads network.

The harbour authority said it has been “working with Louth County Council (LCC) and their agents over recent years to support the delivery of the project” and currently were “in discussions about facilitating the construction of the bridge.”

A Department for Infrastructure (DfI) spokesperson told Newry.ie it has been liaising closely with the Irish Government and Louth County Council to facilitate the linkage of the 195m cable-stayed bridge on the northern side “which will facilitate cross border travel, including the further development of the network of greenways, and local connectivity” while the Irish Government provided further details.

“Louth County Council are the project managers for the Narrow Water Bridge, working in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and discussions are in train with two relevant landowners and an agreement is expected to be concluded shortly.

“In relation to the northern slip roads, DfI Roads has contributed extensively to the design process for the stacking lane on the northbound lane from Warrenpoint to the bridge (and other aspects of the existing carriageway), signage including the variable messaging signs, etc, throughout the detailed design of the scheme.”

‘Front and centre’

The landmark Narrow Water Bridge is a longstanding commitment of the Irish Government, reflected in the Programme for Government and New Decade, New Approach agreement with an allocation of €102m + VAT being made available from the Shared Island Fund for the contract to deliver this project.

When completed, the bridge will provide new tourism and connectivity potential to the east border region and will aid local economic development by increasing employment levels and visitor footfall. 

It will be a lynchpin connection for cross-border active travel and recreational activities in the Carlingford Lough region.

Marking the visit to the Cornamucklagh construction site, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: “When I first established the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, there was one project that was always front and centre of my mind - the Narrow Water Bridge. 

“This project is a clear physical manifestation of the philosophy underpinning Shared Island. It embodies our ambition for reconciliation, a closer relationship between North and South, and progress. 

“It is the realisation of a vision long shared across this stretch of water, delivering on the desire of both communities to reach out, to connect and to grow together.”