Ireland’s Prime Minister, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, conducted a formal visit to the Narrow Water Bridge construction site on June 12. He met with the press and toured the active project site. Mr Martin also visited one year ago to participate in a sod-turning event to celebrate the start of construction. Narrow Water Bridge is a highly symbolic, cross-border infrastructure project that will connect counties Louth and Down over the Newry River, strengthening North-South links and deepening connections between communities on both sides of the border.

ROD is leading the design team, with H&H providing movable bridge engineering services for the new structure. The 195m landmark bridge, consisting of a 138m cable-stayed fixed span and a 57m cable-stayed, rolling bascule, movable span, will support vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian crossings. The movable span is a rolling bascule structure where the bridge rolls to open or close. This motion results in the rotation of the bascule leaf about a transverse axis, while concurrently translating lengthwise to allow the bridge to open for marine vessels. The bascule span’s opening and closing operation is powered by two electrohydraulic cylinders oriented below the superstructure of the bridge. While these structural and mechanical components are in the fabrication stage, construction is moving ahead smoothly.

In February 2025, Ground Engineering covered the construction progress for the Narrow Water Bridge Project. BAM is the primary contractor, and their personnel have been preparing the site by performing groundwork and earthwork. Quinn Piling is responsible for a significant scope, installing temporary and permanent piles to support the bridge and further the construction process.

The efforts to prepare the project site are ongoing and coordination from the design and construction teams have been exemplary. Residents and local businesses are enthusiastic about increased tourism in the Carlingford Lough area due to the infrastructure development.

Louth County Council is the bridge owner, with an estimated project completion date of 2027. The €102M (£85M) Narrow Water Bridge is funded by the Irish Government’s Shared Island initiative.

Photo:  An Taoiseach Micheál Martin pictured walking the Narrow Water Bridge site with ROD Director Daire Ó Riagáin. (Photo Courtesy of ROD)

More information:  Narrow Water Bridge