New SDLP MLA for South Down Sinead Bradley has called on the First and Deputy First Minister to spell out current spending commitments from the NI Executive which will support Narrow Water Bridge. Her call follows a meeting with officials from the Department for Infrastructure.
She said: “The development of Narrow Water Bridge is an issue which I campaigned on and will fight for during my time in the Assembly. During our attempts to negotiate and improve the Programme for Government, I took part in a meeting with officials from the Department of Infrastructure. While the project will appear on the agenda for the next NSMC meeting, it is clear that there is a significant funding shortfall.
“There will be benefits to both sides of the border if the bridge is built and I was heartened when Michael Martin assured me of his support for the project.
“I have written both to him and all relevant Southern parties to encourage them to see this through. I note that as Sinn Fein are lobbying the Irish Government to back the bridge, and they must surely be doing likewise in OFMDFM.
“I make no apology for the SDLP’s support for the Narrow Water Bridge. The benefits are clear. A bridge could:
*improve tourism,
* increase our ability to provide jobs
* and greatly enhance cross-border co-operation.
“I made a promise to the people who voted for me in the election and I am determined to make good on it. As one person told me, ‘It is time that we built this bridge and got over it!‘ ”
