Work on the Narrow Water bridge linking counties Louth and Down is underway.
The cross-border construction has been spoken about for decades and ministers from north and south gathered on the County Louth side of Carlingford Lough as work commenced.
Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister for Infrastructure in the North, John O’Dowd, were on hand during the site visit.
The landmark Narrow Water Bridge is a longstanding commitment of the Irish government with an allocation of €102 million plus value added tax (VAT) being made from the Shared Island Fund for the contract to deliver the project.
The ambitious infrastructure project will provide new tourism and connectivity potential to the east border region and is anticipated to 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 including greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes and beaches.
When complete, the 195 meter cable-stayed bridge will connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath, County Louth with Narrow Water near Warrenpoint, County Down, providing a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River.
Speaking at the launch, Taoiseach Simon Harris TD said: “The Shared Island Unit was set up by the coalition for this very reason - to bring about visionary projects for the whole island that had long been sought after but not yet realised.
"I want to pay tribute to the communities and politicians from all parties and none in both Ireland and Northern Ireland who campaigned for a Narrow Water Bridge for decades. The mountains meet the sea all along this stretch of stunning coastline and this bridge will be a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism in this part of our shared island.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that when he 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,” he said. “It embodies our ambition for reconciliation, a closer relationship between North and South, and progress. Today 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.”
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “This is an historic and significant day for the people of this area.
"I have no doubt that this new bridge will be a game-changer for many reasons. The bridge will provide a poignant symbol of connection between the north and south. It will play its part connecting communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough and in doing so it will create opportunities for local tourism, as well as the local economy by providing an increase in visitor footfall and employment levels.
"It will serve as a vital element of cross-border active travel while facilitating greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes and beaches in the Carlingford Lough region.
"This new landmark is a perfect example of the difference infrastructure projects can make in people’s lives.”
