Cross-border bridge agreement will unite Irish communities

12 November 2008

Proposals for the construction of a new cross-border bridge between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are expected to be submitted for planning permission early next year, after the preferred option was identified last month.

The scheme, which is being promoted by Louth County Council in the Republic, involves construction of a cable-stayed bridge with a rolling bascule span across the head of Carlingford Lough.

The bridge is included in the north-south elements of the Irish Government’s national development plan 2007-2013. But since it is a cross-border structure, an environmental-impact statement must also be submitted to authorities in Northern Ireland. If funding and planning permission for the estimated £20M bridge can be secured without delays, a five-month detailed design phase could begin in March 2009, with contract award predicted early in 2010 followed by an 18-month construction period.

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