Louth County Council’s Narrow Water Bridge project Draft Orders to be published next week

The draft Orders are being prepared under Articles 4, 5 and 6 of the Roads Order and will be the subject of a public consultation.

Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy said: “My Department proposes to publish the draft Orders in weeks beginning 22 April and 29 April. Following publication, there will be a statutory consultation period of at least 30 days and, subject to any objections received, there is a possibility of a public inquiry.

“Draft Orders had been prepared previously but these were redrafted, to take account of late changes to the vessel protection system being provided in association with this bridge and the Operating Procedures which were agreed with Louth County Council. There is a significant amount of work required to ensure that the documents, including the drawings referred to in the draft Orders meet the requirements of the legislation.

“Roads Service understands these changes largely arose from recent discussions which Louth County Council and Newry and Mourne District Council representatives had with the shellfish fishermen, who currently operate upstream of the proposed bridge site.”