Longford TD Joe Flaherty: 'Budget confirms funding won't be an issue for N4 upgrade'

Longford / Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty has welcomed an additional €900m in infrastructural funding and believes it will ensure that the planned  N4 (Mullingar to Rooskey) upgrade proceeds to route selection in 2024. 

Deputy Flaherty now expects an announcement on the key local project and a further 15 road projects before the end of the year.

The additional funding is to aid the delivering of the National Development Plan, which includes the N4 upgrade.
 
Deputy Flaherty remarked, "I am very pleased to see an additional €900m in Budget 2024 for essential investment in providing more schools, hospital infrastructure and for better public and road transport.
 
"The additional funding provides the comfort and headroom to enable  the planned N4 (Mullingar to Rooskey) upgrade  proceed to route selection in 2024."

The long awaited road project is one of 16 road projects stalled nationwide and according to Deputy Flaherty, "Today's budget confirms that funding won't be an issue for the N4 in 2024 and it is critical that it proceeds in the face of increasing road safety concerns."

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The Longford TD also welcomed the progressive measures announced as part of Budget 2024 which focuses on supporting people, families and businesses, especially those that are finding it tough at the moment and delivering improvements for households at all income levels.

Deputy Flaherty stated, "This is a significant Budget of progressive and protective measures which further supports individuals, families and businesses at a time when the cost of living is high, while strengthening public services on which we all depend. Budget 2024 also focuses on investing in the infrastructure we need for the future, including the largest home building programme for many decades. It will include a €2.7 billion cost of living package among a €14 billion budget that will deliver real help for people while preparing us for the future.

“Fianna Fáil is acutely aware of the effect the energy crisis is having on families and businesses across the country. We have listened to people who are really worried about their energy bills and this Budget is about putting more money in people’s pockets and help people face those challenges by reducing the bills that people have to pay.  Budget 2024 aims to ease the pressure with 3 x €150 electricity credits for all households, to be paid between the end of this year and April of next year.

"Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to addressing the high cost of childcare for families and making it accessible to all children.  Following a 25% reduction in last year's Budget, today as part of Budget 2024 childcare fees are being reduced by a further 25%.

"Building on the revolutionary introduction of free school books at primary level by Minister Norma Foley, €67m has been made available under Budget 2024 to support the expansion of the scheme for students in the first three years of secondary school. As a Party, we believe in the power of education, and we believe in making education truly accessible for all. Back-to-school time can be a challenging time for parents and families and this signals a landmark moment for Irish education, and one which will provide significant benefit for families around the country.

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"Budget 2024 will deliver better outcomes for those who need it most. The threshold for paying the higher rate of tax will be raised by €2,000 to €42,000. A full time worker on the minimum wage will see an increase in their net take home pay of approximately €2,300 per year. Minister McGrath also announced cuts to the USC. The 4.5% rate is being cut to 4%, the first reduction in USC rates in 5 years.

“Fianna Fáil has always been committed to helping those that need it most and we keenly understand the financial pressures felt by many right now. Budget 2024 marks a step change in how we plan for the future and will ensure there is opportunity for all, while providing a safety net for those that need it.''