Incredible new £51m bridge crossing international border to link UK and Ireland

An estimated €60 million (£51.1 million) bridge that will link the UK with Ireland is expected to be completed by June 2027. 

After years of delays and retracted investments, work began in May on Narrow Water Bridge after funding was granted by Irish government in February 2024.

The exact cost is not publicly known, with suggestions ranging from €60 million (£51.1 million) to €110 million (£93.6 million), as part of €800 million (£681.4 million) investments into cross border projects. 

The cable-stayed bridge will stretch 280 metres across the top of Carlingford Lough where it meets the Newry River, connecting the A2 Warrenpoint dual-carriageway to the R173 in county Louth close to Omeath. 

Unusually, it would cross the international border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, connecting County Down and County Louth.

The Irish National Development Plan, launched in January 2007, set aside money for projects in Northern Ireland and on cross-border schemes, however Irish government announced in 2011 they would not progress the bridge. 

Louth County Council secured EU funding for the project, but rising costs meant the project was suspended in 2013 before the EU eventually withdrew in November 2013.

Irish government reinvested in the plan in 2024, with hopes it will revive what was once a tourism hotspot impacted by the Troubles, which is equidistant between Belfast and Dublin.

Work is progressing with the roundabout nearly complete, the bridge approach road near finished, and piling for the primary bridge pier complete. 

On the County Down side, a rock infill is underway for the smaller pier, and piling for the northern pier is expected soon.

The watercourse has been rerouted.