The scene of an IRA massacre has been earmarked by the Government for a major investment as part of plans to boost the peace process.
Eighteen British soldiers were killed by a bomb and sniper fire at Narrow Water in Co Down in 1979.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern today confirmed that a 14m euro road bridge between Omeath in the Republic and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland was under consideration.
The Narrow Water bomb marked an escalation in the IRA's bombing campaign. On the same day, the terrorists killed Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the Queen's first cousin, and members of his family off the west coast of Ireland.
A total of €1.2 billion was announced for cross-border initiatives in yesterday's National Development Plan (NDP). A further €1 bn could also follow if Northern Ireland power sharing is restored in coming weeks.
The British Government has pledged an investment package of €60 bn.
Mr Ahern said: "In the NDP we identified key priorities for joint investment initiatives including improved access for tourism and other opportunities along the Eastern corridor, including links between Co Louth and Co Down.
"The development of Narrow Water Bridge on the border between Co Louth and Co Down would obviously be an important element of that proposal."
Mr Ahern discussed the proposed project with a delegation from the SDLP this morning.
The NDP also outlines areas to be funded including improving road links, securing energy supplies and developing education links.
PA