Commitment on Louth s Narrow Water Bridge project welcomed
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Sinn Féin Councillor and joint Chair of the cross-border Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Antóin Watters has welcomed an update and commitments from the North’s Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, on the Narrow Water Bridge project as ‘positive and enthusiastic’.
Cllr Watters said: “The Narrow Water Bridge project has been stopping and starting for years and was included in the New Decade, New Approach Deal which saw the institutions in the north restored at Stormont. It is now a year on from the signing of that Deal and although the project was way-laid by Brexit and then Covid, I am pleased that we have commitments from Minister Mallon that this is a priority on her work plan and I feel progress is being made.
The South Down MLA commented, “I was delighted yesterday to see SDLP Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, meet with elected representatives from Newry, Mourne and Down Council and Louth Council, to discuss Narrow Water Bridge.
“As soon as she took office, Minister Mallon made Narrow Water Bridge a priority and made it clear she was committed to the delivery of this iconic project, which will open up opportunities for South Down and Louth.
“Narrow Water Bridge is a key transformative project, which will improve connectivity across our island but also improve the economy and tourism in our local area.
“I welcome Minister Mallon’s proactive engagement with local representatives.”
At the meeting, both councils and the Minister affirmed their commitment to the New Decade, New Approach project and committed to working in partnership to make long-awaited progress.
Minister Mallon said, “The Narrow Water Bridge project is a key all-island, transformative project that will improve connectivity but also open up opportunities for our island economy and tourism in particular.
“As soon as I became Minister, I made it clear that I am committed to the delivery of this iconic project that will allow so many untapped opportunities to open up for South Down and Louth.
“I have been working with partners in the Irish Government to ensure that this project remains on top of our shared agenda as a New Decade, New Approach promise.
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