Arrival of key Narrow Water Bridge span delayed

The expected arrival of the fixed span of Narrow Water Bridge has been delayed according to Louth County Council. 

The confirmation came after Dundalk councillor Maeve Yore questioned if the project is still on time and on budget.

David Jones, Director of Major Capital Projects and Infrastructure said the fixed span is due to arrive in September as opposed to June as previously envisaged, however he said it is not expected to impact the overall timeline. 

The bridge, which will span the narrowest point of Carlingford Lough, linking the Mourne Mountains and Cooley Peninsula is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Mr Jones told members at the April meeting of the Louth County Council that the arrival of the fixed span, which is currently under construction in Ghent, Belgium, will be a "significant milestone". 

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Councillors also heard from Pamela Arthurs, Chief Executive of the East Border Region. 

Ms Arthurs described the bridge as the "jewel in the crown" of cross-border co-operation. 

She said the bridge will be a "catalyst for economic and tourist development". 

"If it is anything as successful as the Derry bridge, it will reap huge benefits economically and for tourism for our region," she said. 

The bridge, which is expected to cost just over €100 million is being fully-funded by the Shared-Island fund.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.