Narrow Water bridge linking Northern Ireland and the Republic can be delivered on time and within budget, says Tanaiste Micheal Martin

Micheal Martin said the project was inspired by the cross-border communities in the Omeath area in Co Louth and Narrow Water in Co Down, who have wanted the bridge built for years.

When complete, the 195m (640ft) cable-stayed bridge will provide a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River.

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the bridge, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris (centre) in Omeath in Co Louth to announce the start of construction of the Narrow Water Bridge cross-border project

An allocation of more than 102 million euro plus VAT is being provided towards the project from the Irish government's Shared Island Fund.

Asked whether there are concerns about the timeline and cost of the project, Mr Martin said he believes it can be built on time and within its budget.

The bridge's developer, BAM, is also building the National Children's Hospital in Dublin, a project that has suffered from delays and spiralling costs for years.

Irish premier Simon Harris and Mr Martin said there are "frustrations" in government about the National Children's Hospital, but both stressed the need for the tendering process to be separate to politics, and said they have confidence in Louth County Council to oversee the bridge project.

Mr Martin said: "There's set systems for the council to oversee the project.

"(BAM) have used the last three weeks very effectively, in terms of getting started with the dry weather, so I think we can get this project done on time and within budget."

Mr Harris said: ""(BAM) have a track record in terms of the delivery of bridges - they've delivered two very prominent ones on this island in relatively recent years. I have confidence in Louth County Council overseeing the delivery of this."

The bridge will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 at Omeath.

It will also open to allow the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.

The goal of the infrastructure project is to provide increased tourism and connectivity to the east border region.