Member's statement: Narrow Water Bridge
Member's statement by Mrs Sinéad Ennis on .
- MLA
- Mrs Sinéad Ennis
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 26 February 2024
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Narrow Water Bridge
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4230503
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I will take this opportunity to reflect on the positive announcement last week around Narrow Water bridge and the opportunities that I believe now exist. Those of us who have championed Narrow Water bridge know that it is more than just an infrastructure project. We know that it is key to unlocking the huge economic and tourism potential that we have in south Down and right across the Carlingford lough region. Funding has been secured from the Irish Government's Shared Island unit, and that will help to boost Ireland's eastern corridor region and help strengthen our all-island ties. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Louth County Council have a strategic alliance to promote, strengthen and stimulate the social, cultural and economic links within and between the people of the Carlingford lough region, and Narrow Water bridge is not just an example of that but an example of what can be done when we work together on an all-island basis.
We have a huge, unique tourism offering in Warrenpoint, Rostrevor and, of course, into the Mournes, but we must build on that to ensure that residents and visitors can be proud of South Down's attractions and we continue to offer a first-class visitor experience. That is why, as we see the Narrow Water bridge progress, Sinn Féin will work with Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to see the restoration of Warrenpoint's iconic baths. With planning permission in place, a viable and innovative project such as Warrenpoint Baths will complement the Narrow Water bridge when it is built. I hope that funding from the Shared Ireland unit can be a viable avenue for the funding of the Warrenpoint Baths project, because it is time to deliver the investment that is needed to transform that iconic landmark and restore Warrenpoint Baths to their former glory.
308 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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