An ambitious project to develop a bridge linking the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula has made a key step forward.

The Narrow Water Bridge project is a commitment within the New Decade New Approach agreement, with €3 million government funding pledged from the Shared Island Fund to allow Louth County Council as lead project partner to advance the project to procurement. 

Speaking as she made the Bridge Orders to progress the cross-border project, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "Narrow Water Bridge is an ambitious and important project which will link the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula to provide multiple tourism and connectivity opportunities for this border area. 

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"Progressing to the stage of making the Bridge Orders is another big step forward for this long awaited bridge which will deliver many social and economic benefits for the communities in Down and Louth. 

"I am fully committed to the Narrow Water Bridge project and I will continue to work in partnership with Louth County Council and the Irish Government to see delivery achieved." 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin added: "I am pleased to see the ongoing progress with the Narrow Water Bridge project supported by funding from the Shared Island Fund. The Narrow Water Bridge is a very significant and transformative all-island project. I welcome the strong support for the project North and South which will open up new and exciting opportunities, for the local and wider economy and communities, including for recreation and active travel."