Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister Malcolm Noonan has announced that construction is set to begin on the Narrow Water Bridge in County Louth.

Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure John O'Dowd MLA will also be in attendance.

The landmark Narrow Water Bridge is a longstanding commitment of the Government, as outlined in the Programme for Government and the New Decade, New Approach agreement. A budget allocation of €102 million plus VAT from the Shared Island Fund has been designated for the contract to deliver this project.

This ambitious infrastructure project will provide new tourism and connectivity potential to the east border region and is anticipated to aid local economic development by increasing employment levels and visitor footfall. It will be a lynchpin connection for cross-border active travel and recreational activities in the Carlingford Lough region including greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes and beaches.

Upon completion, the 195-metre cable-stayed bridge will connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath, County Louth, with Narrow Water near Warrenpoint, County Down. This bridge will provide a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River. Designed for vehicular, cycling, and pedestrian traffic, it will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 Omeath. Additionally, the bridge will be capable of opening to allow ships to pass through to the Newry Canal.

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Marking today’s announcement, Taoiseach Simon Harris TD said: "The Shared Island Unit was set up by the coalition for this very reason - to bring about visionary projects for the whole island that had long been sought after but not yet realised. I want to pay tribute to the communities and politicians from all parties and none in both Ireland and Northern Ireland who campaigned for a Narrow Water Bridge for decades. The mountains meet the sea all along this stretch of stunning coastline and this bridge will be a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism in this part of our shared island."

Tánaiste Micheál Martin added: "When I first established the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, there was one project that was always front and centre of my mind - the Narrow Water Bridge. This project is a clear physical manifestation of the philosophy underpinning Shared Island. It embodies our ambition for reconciliation, a closer relationship between North and South, and progress. Today is the realisation of a vision long shared across this stretch of water, delivering on the desire of both communities to reach out, to connect and to grow together."

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O'Brien TD said: "In linking the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down with the Cooley Peninsula in Co. Louth, this bridge will serve not just as a physical infrastructure project but a symbol of community, togetherness and hope. It is funded by the Shared Island Fund, and it embodies the vision, values, and purpose of that fund perfectly."

Minister of State Malcom Noonan TD stated: "The project is already creating new opportunities and deepening connections between communities on both sides of the border. It is a testament to Louth County Council and officials in my own department and one that will endure as an outstretched hand of friendship between communities."

Chief Executive of Louth County Council Joan Martin commented: "I am delighted to welcome the commencement of works at the Narrow Water Bridge site, a project which will provide an unprecedented boost to the cross-border region as a whole. It has been a long-standing strategic priority for Louth County Council, which will deliver a key piece of infrastructure, improving access to the wealth of tourist attractions we have in this area. This historic bridge will stand as a symbol of the connections that bind communities north and south."