D’Arcy welcomes strong support of Narrow Water Bridge at Oir. Committee meeting

Fine Gael Senator, Jim D’Arcy, has welcomed the discussion that took place today (Thursday) on the Narrow Water Bridge at the meeting of the Joint Committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

“I was delighted to have facilitated the presentations by Warrenpoint Chamber of Commerce and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce to the Committee today. Paddy Malone and Paddy Matthews of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce put forward a compelling economic and tourist-related case for the bridge while Jim Boylan of Warrenpoint Chamber of Commerce outlined the jobs potential, conservatively estimating at least 270 people at construction stage alone.

“The present position is that issues relating to navigation are out to public consultation and should be dealt with by the Minister for Economic Development in the Northern Ireland Executive, Danny Kennedy, by mid June. This will open the door for the Minister of Finance, Sammy Wilson, to issue a letter of offer based on his consideration of the cost benefit analysis submitted in relation to the project.

“The Committee, of which I am a member, unanimously decided to write to An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, and An Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore TD, outlining its full support for the project and asking for their good offices to help get it over the line.

“I was delighted with the meeting and its outcome and look forward to further progress being made on moving this project forward so that economies north and south of the border can benefit.”

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