An additional €2 million has been allocated to fund the Narrow Water Bridge.

The project is on track for its estimated completion date, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator John McGahon welcomed the news.

He said: "The tender process for the project commenced on 21 April 2023 and is due to conclude in October when a revised business case will be completed. A memo advising the Government of the outcome of the tender process will follow and Government approval will be sough prior to a contract being awarded.

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"The Narrow Water Bridge was first raised by the late Fine Gael Councillor Tommy Elmore over 40 years ago and after coming so close in 2013, it really is excellent to see such substantial progress being made.

"Not only will the bridge provide an important piece of infrastructure between north and south, but it will also strengthen the ties between both communities in the Cooley Peninsula and the Mournes.

"It also has the potential to act as a real tourism magnet for the area, where tourists will be able to use it as a gateway from North Louth to explore the Mournes and the Down coastline.

"Once this project is complete, it will serve as a lasting reminder of how communities on both sides of the border have come together in the common cause of peace and economic prosperity."