Flaherty says N4 upgrade is vital for Longford's 'economic growth and prosperity'

Last February Transport Minister Eamon Ryan announced the allocation of €200,000 for the N4 Mullingar to Longford (Roosky) Project. The Department of Transport announcement indicated the allocation for “preliminary work on the proposed upgrade of the N4 between Mullingar and Longford”.

The proposed N4 Mullingar to Longford (Rooskey) Road Scheme will upgrade 50km of the N4 National Primary Route between the N4 Dromod-Rooskey bypass and the N4 Mullingar bypass.

The scheme will bypass Newtownforbes, Longford, Edgeworthstown, Rathowen and Ballinalack.

Raising the issue in the Dáil this week Deputy Flaherty said: “The greatest investment we can make is in the area of road safety. I admire much of the work the Minister is doing in respect of cycleways. I can see the evidence of that in Longford town.

“However, it behoves us to ensure that we progress the N4 during the lifetime of this Government. It is an extremely important section of roadway for the economic growth and prosperity of Longford and the wider west of Ireland region,” he said.

Deputy Flaherty concluded: “Primarily, I am making an impassioned appeal to the Minister to ensure that before the end of the year, an announcement on ensuring that there is funding in 2024 for the N4 and those related road projects nationally.”

The government has indicated that a pre-appraisal exercise is currently in progress in accordance with requirements.

The appraisal process will allow decisions to be made in relation to the route selection work that was carried out previously.