NAME : UNION CONNECTIVITY REVIEW

BACKGROUND : A FEASIBILITY STUDY IS UNDERWAY TO ASSESS THE VIABILITY OF A CROSSING LINKING IRELAND AND SCOTLAND

What are the options ? A bridge or tunnel . The former may be less likely given the sea currents and weather – and there is the tricky issue of 1 million tons of unused explosive munitions , from World War 2 , in a 50kms underwater trench – but a cable-stayed or suspension bridge could be possible . The two proposed routes are a 12-mile crossing spanning the shortest gap between the two countries – Mull of Kintyre in Scotland to Torr Head , Northern Ireland – or a 26-mile crossing from Portpatrick to Larne , which would be closer to Belfast and Scotland ’ s central belt .

What are the pros and cons ? The convenience of a seamless direct link , connecting Ireland to the UK mainland , looks appealing in any era , but particularly in one of post-Brexit trade uncertainty . Details are sketchy at this stage , but a rail link looks the most environmentally friendly option . Unsurprisingly , the chief drawback is cost , with estimates hovering between £ 15-30 billion , and construction challenges would be the depth of the sea bed ( up to 160 metres at the deepest section ). As with all megaprojects , expect planning issues and delays .

Who ’ s looking into it ? Former HS2 Chairman Douglas Oakervee CBE and ex-Jacobs Vice President Gordon Masterton are fixed link advisors , and there are four on the Advisory Panel ( Professor David Begg , Neale Coleman CBE , Michèle Dix CBE and Elaine Seagriff ), and overseeing delivery is Sir Peter Hendy CBE . The review will also consider transport links within the UK nations . Findings are due to be submitted this summer .

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