ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

They are studying the matter, but will they ever build a bridge? I'm not talking about a bridge between Narrow Water in the North and Cooley in the South, rather about a link between the Department for Social Development in Belfast's Gasworks and the Department for Regional Development in Adelaide Street.

On the Friday morning after last Thursday's North South meeting in Dundalk the DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie put out a statement confirming that 400,000 Euros would be spent on a feasibility study on the Narrow Water Bridge. The minister (and South Down MLA) enthused about the bridge which would "act as a gateway for southern visitors to County Down and the Mournes" and "will be a living symbol of our growing co-operation.”

That afternoon a rather less enthusiastic statement from the DRD Minister Conor Murphy "set out the facts in relation to the proposed Narrow Water Bridge". The Minister (and Newry and Armagh MP) explained that the Dublin Transport Department had given Louth Council 390,000 Euros for the technical study. "It has already been agreed that officials from the north and south will share information from the study as well as from the Roads Service's study of the Newry Southern Relief road.”

So the implication appeared to be that not much new had happened at Dundalk, and the minister did not sound particularly happy about his DSD colleague treading on his patch. Also whilst the south might fund a study of the County Down bridge, the Newry and Armagh MP''s Department is funding a study of a Newry Road, something which Newry politicians are, in general, keener on than the bridge.

But wait a moment, another politician has beaten both ministers to the punch. On the very day of the Dundalk get together, the South Down MLA (and Education Minister) Caitriona Ruane welcomed the progress made on the Narrow Water Bridge. "This flagship project has wonderful potential and would, I believe, provide a major boost for the local economy".

Ms Ruane, though, is careful, not to tread on the toes of her party colleague Mr Murphy. Not only did she put out her statement in a party, not a ministerial, capacity but she also goes the extra mile to keep him on board. β€œWe do of course also need to ensure funding is secured for a southern relief road in Newry which is needed to ensure the continuing expansion of the city. However, both these projects are entirely compatible and if realised, would facilitate economic growth throughout this entire border region."

That's it - we have found it. Caitriona Ruane can be the new bridge over the yawning gulf that lies between Margaret Ritchie and Conor Murphy.

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