Sinn Féin is calling for the Narrow Water Bridge project not to be delayed any longer.

Leader of the party, Gerry Adams, is urging the Irish Government and the NI Executive to work together to provide funding for the scheme to go-ahead.

Deputy Adams hosted the Narrow Water Bridge Community Network group in the Dáil where they presented the case for the construction of the bridge to assembled TDs and Oireachtas staff.

Mr Adams said: "This is a vital piece of infrastructure for the whole of the Mourne, Gullion and Cooley area which has been so intricately linked for centuries.

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"The need for the bridge is well recognised.

"It is included in the Irish Government’s 2016-2021 Capital Investment Plan. An Oireachtas Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation committee recently reported that it is essential to the economic development of the region and the Fresh Start Agreement in the North mandated the Northern Executive and Southern Government to review and develop the project.

"The recent appointment of Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard as Infrastructure Minister in the Assembly Executive is good news for this scheme and I welcome his public support for this project but he cannot deliver this project alone."

Mr Adams also confirmed he is writing a letter to the Minister of Transport, Shane Ross and the Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard and is asking all TDs and MLAs to co sign.

(CD)