SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the announcement that the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB) has awarded €17m for the construction of the Narrow Water Bridge, which will now allow the cross-border project to go ahead.

Speaking after this morning's announcement, she said: "The wonderful news today that the SEUPB has awarded €17 million for the building of the Narrow Water Bridge is a great boost for the local community.

"For over 30 years the community has worked on the Narrow Water Bridge Project. I am delighted to have been involved as MP for the area in the most recent campaign that has led to the delivery of the Narrow Water Bridge.

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"Some of my earliest political memories as a former member of the East Border Region Committee involve the Narrow Water Bridge Campaign and the work of people like Jim McCart, Donal O’Tierney, Barney Carr, Eddie McGrady and many others who never faltered from their belief in the bridge; who shaped the economic debate for the bridge and kept the project alive, during the very difficult political times and the economic challenges that we faced.

The Narrow Water Bridge will link the two communities of South Down and Co Louth and it is in every sense a community bridge. The requirement for his facility is deeply rooted in the local community. The community led and campaigned for the bridge. They have now achieved their goal.

"This bridge will be the first to link North & South. It will not only be a historic and iconic bridge, but in this time of economic recession it will be the catalyst that is required for South Down and Co. Louth. It will be an important economic driver for job creation and tourist development."

(CD)