Narrow Water Bridge should be a catalyst for South Down says Brown
Following the launch of the tender process for the Narrow Water Bridge construction, South Down MLA Patrick Brown has encouraged Newry Mourne and Down District Council to be ambitious and use the project as a catalyst for further tourism and active travel opportunities.xa0
The Narrow Water Bridge project received €3 million from the Shared Island Fund and the Alliance Party has been encouraging Council to submit other project proposals for the fund.
In October’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meeting a motion brought forward by Councillor Cadogan Enright was passed, ensuring the Council would apply for funding for further tourism and active travel funding opportunities.
Patrick Brown MLA, added: “It was great to have Taoiseach Michael Martin in Warrenpoint, officially launching the tender process for the Narrow Water Bridge project.
“The bridge has huge potential to boost North/South tourism and active travel. Alliance have already taken action, through Councillor Enright’s motion, to ensure Narrow Water Bridge becomes a catalyst for other projects such as a greenway development in Warrenpoint & Rostrevor, an Omeath Road cycle expressway and delivery of the Albert Basin Park in Newry.
“It is also worth noting that none of these projects, including the bridge itself, would have moved forward without the hard work and vision of local community organisations, including the Narrow Water bridge Community Network and Newry 2020.”
“I encourage Council and all South Down MLAs to really get behind these proposals to build upon our active travel infrastructure.
“We are blessed with a beautiful natural environment and with investment and vision we could be the capital of active travel on the island of Ireland. I look forward to working with our counterparts in the South in the years and months ahead.”
Alliance candidate for Crotlieve, Daniel Neary, said: “The Narrow Water Bridge would be a fantastic asset and is supported by the local community.
“It will bring focus onto our cycle and walk-ways, such as the Ulster Way, which have such cultural importance but are in need of investment.
“Hopefully this is just the start of significant growth in North/South tourism projects and I encourage the Council to go after other funding opportunities to build upon it.”
