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A “fixed link” between Britain and Northern Ireland is being examined in a new transport review released today by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The study will also consider air links within the UK, road and rail links in Scotland and the rail network in Wales.
The review will be conducted by Peter Hendy, president of state rail owner Network Rail, and will report his findings in the summer of 2021.
“Exploring the cost, practicality and demand for a new fixed link between Great Britain and Northern Ireland” is one of the stated objectives of the report.
Johnson has spoken in the past of his desire for a bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Last December, then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he would not rule out the idea of building a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland, but insisted the UK must pay for it.
“The UK is the largest political association the world has ever seen, and we need transport links between our nations that are as strong as our historic ties,” the British Prime Minister said today.
“This review will help make sure we have the right connections to support, sustain and strengthen our communities.”
Today’s announcement follows a recent commitment by the UK government to provide funding to accelerate infrastructure projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Last March, politicians in Scotland and Northern Ireland told UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps that the billions of pounds it would cost for a fixed link across the Irish Sea could better be spent on vital infrastructure projects.
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