Stakeholders in the Narrow Water Bridge project have until August 20 to secure finances needed to make the project a reality. Some 20 million Euro has already been secured for the development of the bridge which could link counties Down and Louth. However when tenders for the construction of the project came in way over budget earlier this month (between 26-40 million Euro plus VAT) the viability of the scheme was thrown into major doubt. In a statement issued by Louth County on July 9 it was stated that the project, “Has been put on hold after tenders received from construction companies for the project ran substantially above over the allocated budget.” In a bid to find a solution there has been a series of behind closed doors political meetings – including a meeting of the Newry-Louth MOU Committee on Monday. Although no solution has yet been arrived at, The Reporter understands a number of proposals are now being taken forward. These include securing additional financial support from Dublin and Stormont as well as the possibility of philanthropic contributions. The Reporter also understands that these proposals will have to be taken forward quickly as the funding window looks likely to be firmly closed firmly on August 20.
Newry Reporter
24th July 2013
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