Documents from 1975 reveal that officials doubted Northern Ireland would provide its share of the funding—€241,350 (£200,000)—for the project. Earlier this year, it was announced that work had finally commenced on the Narrow Water Bridge between County Down and County Louth, with the Irish Government committing over €100 million to the long-awaited development.

The files disclose that the Department of the Environment had prepared a report responding to a proposal from Louth County Council for a bridge in the 1970s. The proposal, outlined in a document titled Schemes for New Roads and Bridges Across the Northern Ireland/Eire Border, included a map marking the suggested bridge location.

A covering letter estimated Northern Ireland’s contribution to the project at £200,000 and suggested a potential summer traffic volume of 1,500 vehicles per day, with winter usage likely to exceed 250 vehicles, potentially reaching 1,000 if the route attracted Carlingford-Omeath traffic heading toward Newry’s dual carriageway. However, the letter stated, “At present, I cannot see money being available for this work,” while acknowledging the project’s tourist appeal and recommending it for future consideration.

A more detailed report pegged the total cost of the bridge at approximately €603,465 (£500,000) and identified “the most southerly location clear of Warrenpoint harbour and industrial sites” as the proposed site. While recognizing its potential for tourism, the report questioned its value for local traffic, suggesting limited usage by Northern visitors due to existing routes through Newry. It estimated maximum daily usage at 1,000–1,500 vehicles in summer, dropping to fewer than 250 in winter.

Ultimately, the report concluded that the low traffic projections did not justify the expenditure, particularly given pressing financial constraints and other priority projects in Newry. It proposed that Louth County Council explore a car ferry as an alternative, with Northern Ireland potentially funding a slipway at Warrenpoint, leaving operational risks and profits to Louth.