Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2018
295. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the planning permission for the proposed Narrow Water bridge is still valid and effective; the communication he has had with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on the project; if funding will be made available for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5236/18]
View answerUnder Section E of the Fresh Start Agreement of the 17 November 2015, the then Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government agreed to undertake a review of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). In this context, following on from consultation with stakeholders, an options paper has been under preparation in relation to a bridge at Narrow Water.
I understand that when the various options have been further developed it is intended to engage in some further stakeholder consultation and it is intended that this will commence shortly.
In the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) cannot meet but it is envisaged that the options paper will be considered once the NSMC is reconvened.
I have no role in relation to the planning status of the previous proposal for a bridge at Narrow Water and this is a matter for the relevant authorities.
