Fine Gael has welcomed the allocation by the Government's Shared Island Unit of €3 million in funding to progress work on the Narrow Water Bridge in County Louth.

TD Fergus O'Dowd, Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: "This is a shining example of what can be achieved through working together and building a shared future.

"The €3 million funding will progress this project to tender stage, based on the existing design of a 280m cable stay bridge anchored by two towers, which has already secured planning permission.

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"The second phase will be the allocation of funding to build the bridge which will follow due diligence on the likely final costs and the selection of the successful tender."

The Louth TD continued: "This is truly a cross-border project and when constructed will greatly assist tourism, trade and connectivity in the east border region, both North and South. There will also be a huge spin off for active travel and recreation, including greenways, park walkways etc.

"The Narrow Water Bridge, when completed, will be a great example of cross border consensus and co-operation, proving that peace and reconciliation really does work," concluded Deputy O'Dowd.