Angry Longford councillor suggests members confront Minister Ryan outside Dáil over 'dreadful' N4 letter response

Eamon Ryan - just following in a long line of Dublin centric political leaders who don’t have a clue about life outside the pale

placeholder image — Eamon Ryan - just following in a long line of Dublin centric political leaders who don’t have a clue about life outside the pale

A letter from Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to Longford County Council elicited an angry response at the March meeting of the authority.

Minister Ryan's one line response to the local authority was dated February 2, 2023. It was a reply to a notice of motion tabled by Cll Seamus Butler (FF) requesting a meeting between a representative deputation of council members to highlight the N4 border improvement plan.

The Minister's curt response said he was unable to facilitate the meeting because he was “too busy”.

“I think it's a disgraceful response,” Cllr Butler said of the Minister's letter, “the Minister doesn't have time to discuss the most important piece of infrastructure in this region?”

Cllr Butler continued: “Given the number of deaths on that road it is inconceivable that the Minister could not meet us to discuss the issues.”

Cllr Colm Murray (FG) agreed with his chamber colleague: “In ten years on the council I don't recall a response from a Minister like that. I think this is absolutely dreadful.”

Cllr Paraic Brady (FG) suggested members go to Dublin and confront the minister outside the Dáil.