Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses from both sides of the lough to this meeting. It is a great example for everyone to see them here today, working together for the good of their community. I wrote a letter about the bridge to various newspapers on April 10. I said that it was clear that the communities on both sides of Carlingford Lough are excited about the golden opportunities the Narrow Water Bridge could bring in boosting the local economy and tourism in the strikingly beautiful Cooley Peninsula and Mourne Mountains.

The bottom line is that there are significant constraints on the availability of funding. I hope the Minister of Finance and Personnel in Stormont, Mr. Sammy Wilson, in the spirit of promoting positive community relations, will reconsider the rigid position he has adopted and ensure the bridge is built as soon as possible. As everyone is aware, time is running out and the project must be given its imprimatursoon. I was born in Dundalk and, like a homing pigeon, it puts me in good humour to look north. I am familiar with the Cooley Peninsula, a beautiful area which was part of my childhood. I thank the Chairman for the wholehearted support he showed when I raised this matter at a previous meeting of the joint committee.