SDLP Brands Bridge To Scotland A 'Pathetic Distraction'

Renewed rhetoric about building a bridge linking Northern Ireland to Scotland has been slammed as a "pathetic distraction" tactic by the SDLP.

Reports surfaced just this week that the UK Government is considering the project, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson requesting information on the possible costs and risks, according to Channel 4 News.

Ideas have been floated in recent years of two potential routes- from Larne to Portpatrick or the Antrim coast to near Campbeltown.

SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Sinead Bradley accused Mr Johnson of having an "obsession with undeliverable projects" and slammed the "fantasy bridge" as a mere distraction to the chaos at Westminster.

"Conservative and DUP MPs are tripping over themselves to talk about the fantasy bridge to Scotland," the south Down MLA commented.

"It's hard to blame them for wanting to talk about anything other than their government which appears to be on fire but this really is a pathetic attempt at distraction."

Resources should be redirected towards an upgrade of local transport links instead, the SDLP MLA said.

"We should be talking about increasing connectivity on this island where our transport infrastructure is a disgrace. Projects like the A5, the A6 and Narrow Water Bridge would contribute significantly more to economic growth in the North than this white elephant project in the Irish Sea. Just ask people in London how Boris Johnson's last Bridge project went – the Garden Bridge cost taxpayers £43 million and is nowhere to be seen.

"There are pressing infrastructure projects that we need to get on with. That should be the focus of political efforts."



(JG/CM)