Councils Unite for Strangford Lough Bridge

0:00On April 16th, councils on both sides of Stringford Love are teaming up for a big push on a potential bridge. Nuri, Morn, and Down District Council just unanimously voted to ask the Infrastructure Minister for funding on a feasibility study. That's after Ards and North Down Burrow Council already passed a similar motion. The idea is that 300 million pound fixed crossing to link the shores. This bridge would replace the current car ferry, the only direct way across that half mile stretch of water. Right now, drivers have to take a 50 mile detour around the Ards Peninsula in County Down, which eats up time and fuel. Local leaders are fired up about the momentum. DUP councillor Callum Bowsie led the motion and shouted out the cross-party support, calling it a win for the campaign. Even Sinn Fein and P. Chris Hazard, for South Down, is jumping in, planning a meeting with Minister Liz Kimmins to keep things rolling. But not everyone's popping champagne. There's caution on the price tag.

1:01Alliance councillor Patricia Morgan flagged the 300 million pound estimate, and Sinn Fein Chair Philip Campbell noted the type budgets add. The Department for Infrastructure. With both councils now on board, the balls and storm on court to fund that study and see if this bridge can become reality, cutting down those long. Drives for good.