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.

Bridge

Learn more about the work of our bridges team