Fine Gael Louth Deputy, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said he is delighted that a decision with regard to the planning permission application for the Narrow Water Bridge is to be announced in the coming days.

He said: "I have spoken to the Environment Minister, Phil Hogan TD, who has indicated to me that a decision in terms of the application to build the Narrow Water Bridge, which will run between County Louth and County Down, is expected from An Bord Pleanála in the coming days.

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"Owing to the transnational boundary, planning permission was sought from both sides of the border to build the bridge. Planning permission has already been granted from the northern authorities and Louth County Council now awaits the decision of An Bord Pleanála.

"This bridge, which will span 660 metres, will create jobs on both side of the border as well as increasing cross border tourism. Funding of €17.2 million has been sought from the Special European Project Body for the bridge’s construction, which, if it goes ahead, will be great news for communities in Louth and Down.

"I would like to congratulate everyone on both sides of the border for the role they have played in progressing this project. North South cooperation has never been better and that is evidenced by the historic meeting today in Leinster House of a cross border body of TDs, Senators and MLAs of all political parties on the island of Ireland."

(CD/GK)