BAM connects Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with symbolic Narrow Water Bridge
BAM is commencing construction of the significantly important Narrow Water Bridge in County Louth that will connect communities north and south of the Irish border and is expected to boost local economic growth and tourism footfall.
From left: William Diver (construction director, Civils), John O'Dowd (Infrastructure minister) and Alasdair Henderson (executive director, BAM Ireland).
The €102 million landmark bridge, funded by the Shared Island Fund, is a longstanding commitment of the Irish Government, reflected in the Programme for Government and New Decade, New Approach agreement.
The 195 metre cable-stayed bridge is designed to high sustainability standards and will accommodate vehicular, cycle and pedestrian traffic. It will be a lynchpin connection for cross-border travel and recreational activities in the Carlingford Lough region and offer easy access to greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes and beaches. The bridge is also expected to develop the wider Carlingford Lough area into a major Irish tourism destination, linking access between the villages of Warrenpoint, Rostrevor and Carlingford.
Narrow Water Bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway in Northern Ireland with the R173 at Omeath in the Republic. It will also have the ability to open to allow for the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.
Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland, commented: ‘We’re excited to be breaking ground on this important piece of infrastructure that will support sustainable, social and economic development of this area as well as connecting communities north and south of the border. Using sustainable practices this bridge, will offer a safe, green route for cyclists and pedestrians, supporting our own vision of building a sustainable tomorrow. BAM has a proud legacy of delivering critical infrastructure across the island of Ireland for over 60 years and looks forward to working with Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to deliver for the people in the region.’
Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome the commencement of works at the Narrow Water Bridge site, a project which will provide an unprecedented boost to the cross-border region as a whole. It has been a long-standing strategic priority for Louth County Council, which will deliver a key piece of infrastructure, improving access to the wealth of tourist attractions we have in this area. This historic bridge will stand as a symbol of the connections that bind communities north and south.’
