Funding for a new bridge that will link County Down and County Louth across Carlingford Lough has been given the go-ahead by NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson.

Speaking following his approval of the Narrow Water bridge project, Mr Wilson said: "Funding of £14m for the Narrow Water Bridge has now been given approval subject to clarification on technical conditions applicable to the Letter of Offer.

"As with any project offer, the Letter of Offer for the Narrow Water Bridge Project will include a number of important conditions. One such condition is a commitment by Louth County Council that they will have sole responsibility for any cost overruns associated within the eligible spend timeframe and in the event that the project would extend outside this period. Louth County Council shall also meet all the maintenance and associated costs related to the upkeep of the bridge and its service area."

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The Minister added: "Under the project theme this project aims to build a bridge - that would link the counties of Down and Louth across Carlingford Lough and also the Newry to Warrenpoint Road with the Omeath to Newry Road. The Letter of Offer will also stipulate that Newry and Mourne District Council will meet all operational costs and associated actions of the bridge including costs incurred with its opening and closing.

"This project will also be subject to the approval of a Bridge Order being in place and which I know that the Department for Regional Development has already published the Narrow Water Bridge Order for consultation on 22 April with a period of objections open until 4 June. After that date, any objections received will be considered by DRD Minister Danny Kennedy and he will decide if a public inquiry is required."

(IT/MH)