Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The delegation is very welcome. It is great to have before us people with vision who have been able to keep the proposal for a bridge over Carlingford Lough on the political agenda for so long. I am positively disposed towards the project because north County Louth and south County Down are beautiful areas. Building the bridge would be an important symbolic gesture of the progress that is being made. What practical steps can the joint committee take to advance the proposal? Should we arrange a meeting with or write to the Minister of Finance and Personnel in the North? Members must decide at the conclusion of this meeting on the course of action we will take. We should do something tangible to try to advance the project. I wish the delegation well in its efforts. Everyone present is positively disposed the project, which I hope will be advanced shortly.

Cross-Border tourism projects that have proceeded in the past have promoted development along the Border and helped attract visitors to the region from home and abroad. As a frequent visit to north Louth and Carlingford, I am aware of the hassle one has in trying to visit Warrenpoint or Rostrevor on the northern side of the lough as one must travel through Newry first. People from either side of the lough would definitely travel to the other side much more frequently if a bridge were in place. The project would also develop the economic potential of the area.