Move to name Boyne bridge after McAleese

LOUTH SENATOR Jim D’Arcy has spoken to Taoiseach Enda Kenny as part of his campaign to have the bridge spanning the river Boyne at Drogheda named after former president Mary McAleese.

“As the first president from the province of Ulster, Mary McAleese undertook to build bridges between communities in the North and the South of Ireland as the theme of her presidency,” Mr D’Arcy said yesterday.

He said Mrs McAleese’s contribution to relationships across political, cultural and religious divides should be recognised by having the bridge named after her.

“It would be fitting if such a positive and valuable contribution to Irish life and history were marked by a suitable permanent monument, and I am asking the Government, the National Roads Authority and members of both Louth and Meath county councils as well as Drogheda Borough Council to work together to achieve this before the end of the year.

“The river Boyne bridge is a state-of-the-art, elegant and forward-looking piece of engineering – symbolic of modern Ireland. It provides the major link on the principal motorway between the North and South of Ireland and is located practically on the site of the Battle of the Boyne,” Mr D’Arcy added.

“It would stand as a constant reminder of the need to keep alive the links so carefully made and cultivated by president McAleese.”