Opinion

Bridge to Scotland idea should be put to rest

The fascination in certain quarters with the idea of a bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland is perhaps understandable in one sense.

For unionists, it would represent a tangible connection between the north and Britain, an additional layer of comfort in times of uncertainty and upheaval.

Certainly, Arlene Foster has been talking up the prospect.

She told an Orange Order parade in Scotland last year that there was 'growing support' for the project.

''The connection between our two countries has always been special,'' she said. ''What better way to cement that relationship than through a bridge?''

Her view was supported by former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who said: ''What we need to do is build a bridge between our islands. Why don't we? Why don't we?''

The answer to Mr Johnson is fairly simple.

The reason there has been no bridge built between Northern Ireland and Scotland is because it would be vastly expensive and technically challenging.

Yes, there are structures of similar length in the United States (24 miles) and China (22 miles) but as a retired offshore engineer wrote in a letter to the Sunday Times, a bridge had never been built across 'such a wide deep and stormy stretch of water', adding that 'in total the bridge would require 54 towers, of heights never achieved anywhere in the world.'

Further cold water has been poured on the idea by leading economist and former Ulster Unionist assembly member Dr Esmond Birnie.

He has carried out a detailed analysis into the feasibility and possible economic benefits of a bridge.

His conclusion is that while such a construction would probably be technically feasible, it is hard to see how the economic benefits could exceed the costs.

There is no doubt the estimated cost of such a bridge would be eye-watering. Dr Birnie estimated that it would be around £21 billion including infrastructure connections.

Furthermore, it would take around ten years to build and would have a life span of 50 years.

Even with a high level of tolls, the Ulster University economist thought it unlikely it could be made into a commercial proposition.

This report is a useful addition to the debate on this issue and hopefully will provide a reality check to those allowing their enthusiasm to blind them to the practicalities of such an ambitious project.

Dr Birnie rightly makes the point that £20 billion could be spent in other ways.

Rather than dreaming about an impractical and expensive bridge that does not exist, we should be focused on ensuring the infrastructure we have is of the highest standard.