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Displaying items by tag: New Lagan Bridge

#NewLaganBridge - A new bridge across the River Lagan in Belfast reports UTV News has been opened by Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey MLA. 

Connecting Donegall Quay with Queen's Quay the new Lagan Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge replaces the old footbridge and represents a £5m investment in the city from the department.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Storey said, "I am delighted to officially open the new Lagan Weir pedestrian and cycle bridge.

"This magnificent bridge considerably improves the connection from Belfast city centre to Queen's Quay, and showcases the potential for development in this area."
With 16,000 people crossing the old footbridge each week, it is anticipated that the new Bridge will be well utilised, offering access - for the first time - to both pedestrians and cyclists.

The Minister added: "My department is committed to implementing the Queen's Quay Masterplan and this is the first stage in that process.

"The Queen's Quay Masterplan sets out an exciting vision of the development potential of this area, and the creation of this new bridge will improve the links between the city centre and Queen's Quay, as well as the Titanic Quarter."

The new bridge, which is approximately eight metres across at its widest point, was constructed by Graham Construction and has been completed in time for the Tall Ships 2015 event

Afloat.adds this is the third time Belfast City has hosted the Tall Ships Race where more than 50 tall ships will be visiitng the harbour for a four-day festival beginning tomorrow, Thursday (2 July).

For more on this new bridge spanning the Lagan, click here.

Published in Belfast Lough

Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.