Down District Council has earmarked €500,000 (417,000) for Louth County Council to support the £32 million Narrow Water Bridge project.

The one-off contribution will go towards the construction costs of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge, which will link the R173 Omeath to Newry Road in County Louth with the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint Road in County Down.

The decision was taken on Monday night, with no money due to be handed over until a number of key conditions attached to the funding offer are met. This includes confirmation that Down Council’s contribution to the proposed bridge represents value for money in terms of the economic and tourism boost it would provide for the area.

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Councillor Patrick Clarke said: "The proposed Narrow Water bridge will have significant strategic and economic benefits for the Mournes, South Down and the border region and when completed will act as a catalyst for the economic, social and cultural development of the cross-border region in which it will be located.

"The bridge will provide a new crossing over Newry River to the north of Carlingford Lough. The single carriageway road and bridge, which will have a combined length of 600m, will link the R173 Omeath to Newry Road in County Louth with the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint Road in County Down. The bridge will also have an opening section to facilitate the passage of marine traffic, including tall ships.

"The project is a genuine cross-border project and builds on many years of campaigning and lobbying by local communities and organisations on both sides of the border and will be seen as a major symbol of peace and reconciliation being the first ever link bridge joining the two parts of the island."

(CD/MH)