SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed confirmation from Finance Minister Sammy Wilson MP MLA that the Narrow Water Bridge project will be urgently progressed through the approval process for decision.

Ms Ritchie said: "Under the INTERREG 1VA process the accounting department, in this case the Department of Finance & Personnel must approve the funding required for the Narrow Water Bridge Project.

"I therefore made urgent representations to the Minister for Finance Sammy Wilson impressing upon him the importance of getting this project moving and ensuring that we have the build project for the Narrow Water Bridge on the ground at the earliest possible opportunity.

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"The Narrow Water Bridge project will bring great benefit to our construction sector at a time of economic downturn, and in the long-term it will provide the catalyst we need for our tourism industry. We therefore need to ensure that this project keeps moving ahead without delay.

"In response to my case the Minister for Finance has confirmed he will ensure that his officials will urgently progress the Narrow Water Bridge project through the approval process for decision.

"It is my hope that this will result in an approval from the Minister for Finance in the very near future and allow for the economic benefits of the Narrow Water Bridge project to be felt on the ground at the earliest possible opportunity. Such an infrastructural programme, with the economic gains in the short-term in construction and the long-term in tourism and business opportunities can only be welcome news in South Down and across the North."

(CD/GK)