Permission Granted For Down-Louth Bridge

The building of a new bridge between County Down and County Louth has been given the go-ahead.

An Bord Pleanála, the Irish planning authority, gave permission to Louth County Council for the construction of the bridge across the Newry river.

One condition was the building of a special roost for birds affected by the development.

Northern Ireland Environment Minister Alex Attwood granted planning permission for the project last week.

The new bridge will be 660m long and it is hoped that most of the €18m cost will be provided by an EU fund.

Louth County Council said members want it to be opened by mid-2015.

Louth TD Gerry Adams described it as "another vital piece in the jig-saw to secure the construction of this very necessary economic and strategic infrastructure project for the border region.

"The decision by An Bord Pleanála and by the North’s Department of Environment last week clears the way for the decision by the European authorities for funding to be made available," he said.

"I want to commend all of those, especially the officials from the local councils, who have worked hard in recent years to secure planning permission."

He added: "The Narrow Water Bridge will cost almost €18m but its economic and social impact will be significantly greater. It will provide a huge boost to the local economy, create new jobs and spur economic growth in this region."

The bridge will be able to open to allow access to tall ships, leisure craft and other marine vessels.

It will cross Newry River at Narrow Water to the Omeath Road near the village of Omeath.

(IT)