Ministers highlight continued commitment to Narrow Water Bridge Project

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard and Shane Ross, Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport in the south have set out their continued commitment to the Narrow Water Bridge Project.

Highlighting the potential benefits of the project, Minister Hazzard said, “Since coming into office I have made clear my strong commitment to the Narrow Water Bridge project.

“This is a project which, as the review of options has highlighted, has the potential to be truly transformative in unlocking the economic and in particular the tourism potential of one of our most stunning yet underdeveloped regions.”

Welcoming the progress that has been made, Minister Ross stated, “The Fresh Start Agreement set out the joint commitment of the Irish Government and the Executive to the Narrow Water Bridge Project and to taking forward a review to identify options for its future development.

“I am delighted that over recent months significant progress has been made on that commitment. It is clear from the review that an appropriately designed and integrated project has the potential to deliver significant economic and social benefits for the lower Mournes and Cooley Peninsula.”

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The Ministers confirmed that the focus of their joint work is now on considering a range of options to identify the best possible solution for the area.

Minister Hazzard continued, “If we are to deliver the right project which delivers the maximum benefits for the area, it is essential that we explore all options and how these can be integrated into a wider strategy to realise the undoubted tourism potential of the region. I am determined this is taken forward as priority.”

Welcoming the joint approach to progressing this work, Minister Ross stated, “A key strand of this work has been the joint engagement with local stakeholders which our officials have taken forward, both to inform the review of options and to begin to identify a preferred option.

“This level of engagement has been key to clarifying the opportunities that the Narrow Water Bridge Project offers and the need to consider this in the wider context of tourism development.”

The Ministers confirmed that a meeting is currently being arranged in February with key stakeholders to assist in identifying preferred options for consideration at the next plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council.

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