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Events leading to collapse of 2012 project
January 2007 - Cross-border funding proposed in Transforming Ireland, the National Development Plan 2007-2013. Dublin Government contribution believed to be €14 million.
Attitudes to the Narrow Water Bridge typically divide along traditional unionist and nationalist lines.
'This announcement will help develop and expand the north-eastern economic corridor and give a new impetus to tourism in the area. It is the news that many people in the area have waited decades for. '' PJ Bradley Northern Ireland Assembly Member ( Social Democratic and Labour Party)
"This is a misty-eyed project that has no economic benefit for the Newry area. The real focus should be on creating a relief road closer to Newry.'' Danny Kennedy Northern Ireland Assembly Member (Ulster Unionist Party)
May 2008 - Feasibility study and public consultations completed by Louth County Council. Preliminary route options published.
Oct 2008 - Final route and preliminary bridge design published.
Apr 2011 - Ground investigation works begin at site.
July 2011- Fine Gael led government in Dublin loses interest in project.
''…competing demands from other local authorities for strategic schemes which have a better benefit/cost ratio, this Department…is not in a position to proceed any further with the Narrow Water Bridge project, and beyond 2011 no further funding will be made available for it.'' Leo Varadkar Minister for Transport
Dec 2011 – Louth County Council decides to go it alone.
Mar 2012 - Louth County Council applies for planning permission and issues compulsory purchase order.
July 2012 – Application for EU funding rejected
August 2012 – Appeal lodged with EU.
Oct 2012 - European funding secured & planning permission approved on both sides of the border.
Jan 2012 - Agreed shared costs break down as follows: EU Intereg funding €17.3 m, Government of Ireland €3.9 m, Northern Ireland Executive €3.2 m totalling €24.4 m
June 2012-Tenders received range from €26m and €40m.
May 2013 - Northern Ireland Finance Minister Sammy Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party) confirms his departmental funding ''…and not a penny more!''
Nov 2013 - With no expectation of shortfall being made up EU funding withdrawn. Project collapses.
