D’Arcy looking forward to Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge naming ceremony

Fine Gael Senator, Jim D’Arcy, has today (Friday) said he is looking forward to the Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge naming ceremony which takes place next week on Saturday 8th June at 2pm at Oldbridge House, Co. Meath.

The bridge, which spans the historic River Boyne on the MI motorway, is to be named in honour of the former President.

“I first raised this issue in the Senate in November 2011, shortly after the former President finished her term, having spoken to the Taoiseach and a number of others. I was very encouraged by the support the idea received and wrote to all members of both Louth and Meath county councils seeking their support. I am delighted that both councils brought in and passed motions supporting the proposal.

“I believe the name adopted; the Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge, is most suitable. It acknowledges the enormous contribution to paid by the former President and her work on building bridges between divided peoples and communities on the island of Ireland. It also takes into account the historic significance of the Boyne Valley area.

“It is most appropriate that Louth and Meath county councils have organized a naming ceremony where political and community leaders of all backgrounds, North and South, will gather to celebrate in gratitude and hope.

“It is great news that An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, is coming to the event and I understand a large number of national political figures and members of community groups will be in attendance on the day.

“At the same time, this is essentially a local honour, bestowed on Mary McAleese by Meath and Louth county councils and I look forward to the two Chairs, Niamh Mc Gowan and Finan Mc Coy, doing the honours on the day.”

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