Narrow Water Bridge: Taoiseach’s visit coincides with completion of foundation work

Banner image of Taoiseach with Aoife O'Sullivan and Daire Ó Riagáin

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin pictured with ROD Graduate Engineer Aoife O’Sullivan and ROD Director Daire Ó Riagáin.

The temporary support piles, intermediate pier support, and fender piles at the Newry River, with the north abutment on the left and the south abutment on the right. Image: Gerald McGivern.

In the distance, the Newry River is visible, with the temporary support piles installed, intermediate pier support in place and fender piles installed. In the foreground, the ongoing south abutment works are visible. Image courtesy of BAM Ireland. (May 2025)

A jack-up barge has been positioned in the Newry River to facilitate the installation of temporary support piles for a skid track system, which will provide temporary support for the bridge upon its arrival on site. Image courtesy of BAM Ireland. (May 2025)

On the northern side of the project, excavations have been completed, and capping has been installed for the A2 slip road approaching the works from Warrenpoint. Image courtesy of BAM Ireland. (May 2025)

The construction of the control building is ongoing on the southern side of the project. This will operate the rolling bascule span. Image courtesy of BAM Ireland. (May 2025)

Steel reinforcement and concrete works underway at the hinge area of the south abutment, which will ultimately support the south-leaning pylon. Image courtesy of BAM Ireland. (May 2025)

The newly constructed roundabout on the R173. While the roundabout works are nearly complete, construction works on the approach road to the bridge are ongoing. Image courtesy of BAM Ireland. (May 2025)

Ongoing works at the north abutment for the rolling bascule span. Image courtesy of BAM Ireland. (May 2025)

Last Thursday, 12 June, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, visited the construction site of the Narrow Water Bridge in Omeath, Co Louth, to view the substantial progress achieved on the project over the past 12 months.

Since the official ground-breaking ceremony to mark the commencement of construction works on the bridge in June 2024 - an event attended by Mr Martin – the bridge foundation work has been completed ahead of schedule. Meeting this major project milestone within a year of the award of the construction contract award represents a significant achievement for the ROD project team and the contractor, BAM Ireland, and demonstrates our firm commitment to the successful delivery of the scheme.

Notable factors in the project’s progress have been swift and decisive decision making; effective collaboration with the contractor and responsiveness to their needs; and the dedicated support of our head office design team, who worked closely with the site team to ensure technical challenges were promptly addressed.

ROD involvement

ROD’s involvement in the scheme dates back to 2007. We have taken the project from environmental assessment and planning through detailed design and construction contract procurement, and we are now administering and supervising the works through the construction and handover phases.

ROD is being supported by H&H on the moveable bridge and by OBFA Architects and JN & G Traynor & Partners on the control building.

A new era of cross-border tourism

Narrow Water Bridge will be at the heart of a range of cross-border greenways, active travel and outdoor activity amenities planned for the Carlingford Lough area. When complete, the 195m, two-span, cable-stayed crossing will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 at Omeath. It will cater for pedestrian, cycle, and vehicular access and allow navigational movements along the Newry River to access Victoria Lock and the Albert Basin in Newry.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to return to the site of the Narrow Water Bridge, which is now under construction and a true embodiment of the Government’s Shared Island Initiative. This bridge is a tangible symbol of our vision and commitment to deepening connections across this island. Once complete, the bridge will enhance connectivity, unlock new opportunities for tourism and active travel, and support long-term economic development across the Carlingford Lough region, strengthening the ties that are so important for our shared future.”

Thomas McEvoy, Deputy Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added: “The Narrow Water Bridge project demonstrates what can be achieved through meaningful cross-border collaboration and long-term planning. Louth County Council is exceptionally proud to lead on the delivery of such a landmark project, and we are pleased with the progress to date and grateful for the continued support of our partners and stakeholders across both jurisdictions.”

Next steps

The event featured a presentation from the project team and a guided site walk on the southern embankment, offering a close-up view of the works. Senior Engineer with Louth County Council, John O’Hagan provided an update on construction, confirming that the bridge’s steel deck sections – which are being fabricated offsite to minimise disruption to the surrounding environment - will arrive from Belgium in two stages.

He said: "In the first instance, you will see the fixed span coming in. That is due in around the end of quarter one of next year. They will float up the river in three sections and then be put in place over a matter of months. In terms of the remainder of the bridge on the opening section, that will come in in March 2027. Again, it will float up the river but this time to Warrenpoint and then come down the A2 dual carriageway to be sat in place.”

The bridge is expected to be completed in late 2027. It is being fully funded by the Shared Island Initiative.