It will connect North and East Belfast for pedestrians and cyclists
The stretch of water the Sailortown Bridge appears likely to span(Image: Belfast Live)
The Irish government has contributed €400,000 in funding for a bridges project in Belfast city centre.
The Sailortown Bridge will be a pedestrian and cycling swing bridge spanning the River Lagan, connecting the historic Sailortown area to the Titanic Quarter, as well as providing links to York Street Train Station.
In May 2025, Belfast City Council confirmed it will take up the role of contracting authority and oversee the procurement and management of the project.
Money to further the development of the project from the Stormont Department for Infrastructure was confirmed at a committee meeting at City Hall last year too.
The new funding from the Irish government’s Shared Island Fund is a total contribution of €800,000 (€400,000 each) towards further development stage work of docklands bridge projects in Cork and Belfast respectively.
The two city Councils will now take forward development of a priority docklands bridge project in each city on a cooperative basis – Kent Station Bridge in Cork and Sailortown Bridge in Belfast.
Speaking following the announcement of the funding, SDLP North Belfast councillor Carl Whyte said: “I welcome the announcement of €800,000 in funding for the Cork–Belfast Docklands Bridges Project Delivery Partnership.
“This investment will allow the proposed pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Sailortown and the Odyssey area to progress to the next stage of design and is an important milestone for a project that has the potential to transform connectivity across our waterfront.
“This bridge will strengthen links between Sailortown, Titanic Quarter and the city centre, opening up a new way for pedestrians and cyclists to travel between North Belfast and East Belfast.
“These plans will also offer a boost for businesses in the area and make our city a better place to work, visit and live. It is exactly the kind of ambitious infrastructure project that can help create a more connected Belfast.”
Cllr Whyte said it is vital that Stormont ensures funding will be available to complete the project. He added: “It is vital the Department for Infrastructure must now ensure the money will be available to deliver the project through to completion.
“Belfast cannot afford for this to become another Casement Park situation, where years of planning and expectation are undermined by uncertainty over funding. We need to see continued commitment to turn this exciting vision into reality.”
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said: “Belfast City Council welcomes the €400,000 funding from the Shared Island Fund to support the next design stage of the proposed Sailortown to Titanic Quarter bridge.
“This iconic project is a key part of our ‘A Bolder Vision’ strategy. The project presents an exciting opportunity to connect communities, improve active travel connectivity, and boost regeneration across the Belfast waterfront.
“We are working closely with all partners on the Waterfront Task Group to progress this priority project for the area. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has already provided £300,000 for the current early design phase, and we will continue to collaborate with DfI, Belfast Harbour, and the Shared Island team on the continuation of the design development work for the Sailortown Bridge to Titanic Quarter Bridge.
“Given the scale of opportunity contained within the Belfast and Cork Waterfront areas we also welcome the opportunity to further develop our partnership with Cork City Council. This partnership allows us to share learning, protect our maritime heritage, realise our tourism potential, and maximise the social, economic and environmental and tourism potential of both cities’ dockland areas.”
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