The Senator of Fine Gael has met with the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to discuss the provision of the Narrow Water Bridge.

Senator Jim D'Arcy said everyone involved in the project knows it would be a fantastic development.

He said: "We met with Louth County Council, Newry and Mourne District Council, Down Local Authorities and East Border Region. We also discussed the proposals with Chambers of Commerce representatives from Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Dundalk and Newry, and during the day we held meetings with INTERREG projects and Greenore Greencastle Community Association. All representatives are happy with the goals of the projects and after very constructive discussions, there was a general consensus that there are two main options for the bridge.

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"The first option is to go ahead with the bridge according to the plans that have already been drawn up and to seek funding for this project. Alternatively it has been suggested that the Narrow Water Bridge could link in with the Southern Relief road around Newry which would connect Warrenpoint Port with the motorway. I have had meeting with the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland and I have raised the options with my Government colleagues including the Minister for Transport and Tourism, Paschal Donohoe.

"The Good Friday Committee will be looking for the North South Ministerial Council to commit to the provisions of the Narrow Water Bridge at its next meeting. The Committee will be writing to First Minister Peter Robinson and the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny asking for this commitment to be made."

(CD/MH)