I AM no civil engineer, but it seems to me that a bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland would be of great benefit to both countries. It’s seldom that big new infrastructure does not produce greater benefits than the building costs. The bridges over the Forth reduced travelling times enormously, and the Faroe Islands have also benefited from their connecting tunnels. And you should see what they’re doing in Norway!
Of the two starting points so far mentioned, Portpatrick and the Mull of Kintyre, I think the latter is the best option as it has the potential to be of greater benefit to more communities. Plus it does not have the challenges of the Beaufort Dyke to overcome.
If the A8 was continued to Cloch Point and beyond by a series of bridges or tunnels, the road could serve the three legs of the Cowal peninsular, Bute, and onto Kintyre before leaping over to Ireland near Ballycastle. The roads to take traffic for the continent via the port of Rosyth already exist. I think this route would also increase tourism to these remote areas of Scotland.
Richard Walthew
Duns
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