Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said there are more pressing infrastructure needs than a proposed bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Ms Armstrong said such a bridge, which has been talked about from North Down or East Antrim over the North Channel, was unfeasible. She said capital investment for infrastructure would be better spent on a range of other options.
She added: “It seems baffling to me why any party would prioritise such a pie in the sky project as this proposed bridge, when it would have such a negative impact – decimating our coastline, while installing massive motorways through North Down or East Antrim in order to facilitate it.
“I call on other politicians to pay more attention to priorities closer to home. We have a range of projects we should be prioritising instead. For example, creating a high speed rail link between Belfast and Dublin, investing in the road and rail network west of the Bann, developing the York Street Interchange and fixing our rapidly deteriorating rural road surfaces in the local area and throughout Northern Ireland.
“People need to focus on sustainable projects that will improve the lives of citizens rather than waste money chasing after pipe-dreams.”