Tendering for the Narrow Water Bridge linking the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley peninsula is due to be initiated by the Government.

Planning permission is already in place for a 280m cable-stayed bridge, anchored by two towers at either end, with segregated car, cycle and pedestrian lanes.

The bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 Omeath, and can open to allow for passage of boats through and on to the Newry Canal.

The Narrow Water Bridge has been a longstanding commitment of the Government and is a key commitment in the “New Decade New Approach” agreement of January 2020, which restored the Northern Ireland Executive after a three-year “hiatus”.

The Government says the bridge will provide access to a range of cross-border active travel and recreational activities, including greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes and beaches.

It says that a sum of €3m from the Shared Island Fund has enabled Louth County Council, working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to bring the project to tender stage.

“I am delighted that the Narrow Water Bridge is now proceeding to tender stage,”Taoiseach Micheál Martin said.

“ This is an important and symbolic project for the north-east, directly connecting the Cooley Peninsula to coastal Co Down, and a project with strong support from communities on both sides of the border,” he said.

“The project also brings significant tourism and economic benefits to the region. Along with improving North-South connectivity, the bridge will be at the heart of a range of cross-border greenways, active travel, recreation and outdoor activity amenities planned for the Carlingford Lough area,”he noted.

A contract is expected to be awarded next year, subject to Government approval.