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British transport officials have been asked to look at various options for a bridge linking Scotland to Northern Ireland, it has been confirmed in the House of Lords.<\/p>\nBritish transport officials have been asked to look at various options for a bridge linking Scotland to Northern Ireland, it has been confirmed in the House of Lords.<\/p>\n
Transport minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said there was even talk of a potential tunnel, now tunneling costs had come down.<\/p>\n
But she cautioned peers at question time not to hold their breath about any quick outcome to the investigations.<\/p>\n
Boris Johnson raised the possibility of building a bridge last month, saying it was a very interesting idea.<\/p>\n
Engineering experts poured cold water on the proposal, warning it was potentially fraught with problems and costs could spiral.<\/p>\n
Initial estimates put the cost of such a project at around \u00a315 billion although the Institution of Civil Engineers suggested on Monday a tunnel under the Irish Sea would be a more practical solution.<\/p>\n
The issue was raised at Lords question time by Labour former minister Lord Foulkes of Cumnock as peers pressed the minister over repairs to London\u2019s Hammersmith Bridge.<\/p>\n
Lord Foulkes said: \u201cDuring the general election Boris Johnson pledged to consider building a bridge from Northern Ireland to Scotland even though there are hundreds of tons of explosives in Beaufort\u2019s Dyke, which were put there supposedly because it\u2019s a safe place to put them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the Government can\u2019t keep Hammersmith Bridge open how on earth are they going to manage to do that?\u201d he demanded, to laughter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs this going to go ahead?\u201d<\/p>\n
Lady Vere replied: \u201cYou\u2019re quite right.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have asked officials to look at various options for bridges which would strengthen our union.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand there is some talk of a potential tunnel, now that tunneling costs are much cheaper than they used to be.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will say watch this space but perhaps don\u2019t hold your breath.\u201d<\/p>\n