Longford TD is ‘100% sure’ N4 will be included in National Development Plan
The announcement of the listed road projects in the National Development Plan is expected to be announced imminently
A Longford TD said he is '100% confident' the upgrade of the N4 from Mullingar to Longford and on to Roosky will be included in the upcoming National Development Plan (NDP).
Fine Gael's Micheál Carrigy, has insisted the route is “absolutely vital for Longford and the wider region,” as it is the main connection between Dublin, Mullingar, Longford, Sligo and the North-West.
The announcement of the listed road projects in the National Development Plan is expected to be announced imminently and the Ballinalee native said he has been emphasising the urgent need for the multi-million euro project.
“As the Government finalises the new National Development Plan, it is essential that the N4 upgrade stays in the plan and is properly funded.
"This road is our main artery. Upgrading it would make travel safer, support local jobs and investment, and give Longford the infrastructure it deserves.”
Deputy Carrigy said he has been working closely with his Fine Gael colleagues to keep pressure on the issue “I’ve made the N4 a top priority for Longford.
"I’ve worked with my Fine Gael colleagues to make sure the project stays firmly on the agenda as the new NDP is being put together.
"We all know how important this road is – for commuters, for businesses, for emergency services and for attracting new investment. It’s time to get it done.”
Asked by the Longford Leader how confident he is the project will be included and clearly reflected in the NDP, Deputy Carrigy replied '100%' and he said he will continue to engage with Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien and local authorities.
“Longford and the Midlands deserve proper connectivity. I’ll keep pushing until we see real movement on the N4 Mullingar–Longford–Roosky upgrade.”
Deputy Carrigy said he regularly raised the N4 at national level, including through questions on policy or Legislation in the Dáil.
The preferred route option for the N4 Mullingar to Longford (Roosky) upgrade was announced last February and the former senator highlighted the need to secure the next phase of funding and ensure the project progressed.
Deputy Carrigy, who outlined the importance of the project in the Dáil, stated that it 'marked a significant step forward in improving this vital transport corridor'.
He referred to how the N4 had previously had an emerging route announced in 2008 before it was taken off the NDP and he said people were anxious it moved forward in 2025.
"The N4 recently announced an emerging preferred route from Mullingar to Roosky through county Longford, it's the only region that's not serviced with motorway or dual carriageway access," he said.
"Funding is needed for Stage 3 of that project in 2025."