Boris Johnsons' Scotland-Northern Ireland Bridge project rejected by think tank

A bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland is not the way to revive the economy or improve connectivity, warned experts to the British Prime Minister.

While Boris Johnson has repeatedly suggested crossing the Irish Sea, the Fraser of Allander Institute said the idea would not even be in the top 10 infrastructure priorities.

The economic think tank, based at the University of Strathclyde, rejected the proposal in a scathing blog.

When is a bridge not a bridge? When it's a tunnel, apparently https://t.co/GBTmBTrzck

– The FAI (@Strath_FAI) March 9, 2020

It comes a little over a month after Downing Street confirmed that a "range of officials" was considering the idea – although Scottish secretary Alister Jack recently suggested that a tunnel might be a better option.

The think tank said: "First, those who hope that the construction of a bridge (even giant tunnel or catapult) will automatically be a catalyst for faster economic growth in Scotland and Northern Ireland will be deeply disappointed. "

Economic experts said there was "little international evidence" to support the idea of ​​a positive causal link between infrastructure and growth, adding: "Build it and it will come in no time." # 39; s unfortunately not the case. "

While they said that "well-designed and targeted investments that help remove barriers to connectivity can impact growth", the message added: "On a list of the top 10 priorities for Infrastructure in Scotland (and the UK), this will not be one of them.

"Much higher priorities relate to improving the way people move around our cities."

The message then noted that the proposed bridge or tunnel "will not actually connect centers of economic activity" – saying that travelers from Northern Ireland "would arrive in the rural areas of Dumfries and Galloway or Argyll , with over 90 miles of road to the central belt "(at least two and a half hours more)".

The think tank concluded: "So, in short, it will not stimulate the economy according to some claims, it is not a priority, it would go to the wrong place, it would not be compatible with the objectives of climate change and money could be better spent on other things.

"Other than that, it's a cracked idea."

Mr Johnson has repeatedly spoken of the prospect of a bridge, although experts have warned of the depth of the Irish Sea and the presence of submerged munitions which would pose problems for any project.

The project could cost £ 20 billion, although Mr Johnson has already said it will "only cost around £ 15 billion".

The Scottish government has said that better uses could be found for the funds – with Transport Secretary Michael Matheson making this point in a recent letter to his British counterpart Grant Shapps.

This analysis shows how ridiculous the bridge proposed by Boris Johnson is.

SNP MSP Tom Arthur said: "If Boris Johnson has £ 20 billion to spend on infrastructure, we are happy to send him some suggestions.

"But, as the Fraser of Allander Institute rightly points out, a road bridge – or tunnel – crossing the Irish Sea is hardly a priority."

Mr. Arthur added: "Everyone knows that the Conservatives have no intention of providing this – as always, this is just one way for Boris Johnson to distract himself from the failures of 39 a decade of conservative austerity.

"If the Conservatives cannot explain why the Fraser of Allander Institute is wrong, then they should be laughed at every room where they mention this stupid plan."

Scottish Green Transport spokesperson John Finnie said, "This analysis shows how ridiculous the bridge proposed by Boris Johnson is."

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