Oireachtas Committee to consider Narrow Water bridge project with business groups

15 May 2013

The Warrenpoint and Dundalk Chambers of Commerce are expected to outline the tourism and business potential of the project for their respective towns.

Committee Chairman Joe McHugh TD says: “Our Committee has offered its full support for the project as a strategic cross-border investment, with the potential to bring significant economic dividends to the region. In October, we warmly welcomed the announcement the Special EU Programmes Body approved significant funding for the bridge. The Committee remains hopeful that a pathway can be found to securing the outstanding funding for the project.\"

“Tomorrow, we will have the opportunity to hear from business leaders on both sides of the border, who have been at the vanguard of the longstanding campaign for the bridge. In difficult economic times, the construction phase has the potential to provide a significant local stimulus, and the bridge itself would be an important addition to the region’s burgeoning tourist sector around Carlingford Lough.”

Separately, the Committee will meet Foyle Women’s Aid to discuss Women’s Rights in Northern Ireland.

Deputy McHugh continues: “Our Committee has visited a number of women’s groups in Northern Ireland and the border region and is acutely aware of the critical  role that the charity and community sector plays in vindicating women’s rights. Foyle Women’s Aid provides support services for victims of domestic violence. We look forward to exploring with the representatives their invaluable work in combatting violence against women.”

The meeting takes place tomorrow Thursday 16 May at 11:30 am commencing with discussion on the Narrow Water bridge. The representatives of Foyle Women’s Aid are expected to address the Committee at approximately 12:30 pm.

Committee proceedings can be followed live here.

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Ends
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie

Members of the Committee:
Deputies Seán Conlan, Seán Crowe, Clare Daly, Regina Doherty, Peter Fitzpatrick, Frank Feighan, Martin Ferris, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Peter Fitzpatrick, Michael P. Kitt, Joe McHugh, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Joe O’Reilly, Brendan Smith and Joanna Tuffy.
Senators Jim D’Arcy, Maurice Cummins, Mary Moran, Mary White.
Chairman: Joe McHugh, TD Vice-Chairman: Joe O'Reilly, TD