From yesterday's The Scotsman (edited for length):
IT’S an idea that has fascinated engineers and politicians on both sides of the Irish Sea for more than a century, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson now asking government officials to explore the possibility - and the finances - of building a bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Both the Treasury and Department of Transport have been asked for advice on the costs and risks of such a project. It is not the first time that Mr Johnson, a lover of large- scale infrastructure projects - has shown an interest in the bridge, which would potentially run from either Portpatrick or the Mull of Kintyre on the Scottish side.The Democratic Unionist Party has previously suggested that such a bridge would go a long way to breaking the Brexit deadlock, as it would negate the need for a border in the Irish Sea. This week, Mr Johnson said it would "it would only cost about £15bn."
There are two potential routes regularly suggested for a crossing. A Portpatrick to Belfast Lough link would be around 21 miles in length, while Antrim to Mull of Kintyre just 12 miles.The latter option is routinely discounted however, as the road network from Campbeltown on the Scottish side would require significant upgrading through mountainous terrain, and lacks a direct rail service. But any bridge or tunnel between the two countries would face other logistical challenges.Ronnie Hunter of the Institution Of Civil Engineers said a rail tunnel would be a more likely option. “The North Channel is something like 32,000 metres coast-to-coast, whereas the Forth Road Bridge is around 2,500 in comparison,” he said.