N4 funding a vital step forward for Longford and the wider region
Deputy Micheál Carrigy: 'We now need to ensure that Longford and Westmeath County Councils are fully resourced to move to Stage 3 next year'
Deputy Micheál Carrigy has welcomed the allocation of €2.5 million in national roads funding to advance the extension of the N4 between Mullingar and Roosky, describing it as a vital step forward for Longford and the wider region.
The funding will support further progress on the emerging preferred route, which was announced recently as part of the project’s return to the National Development Plan.
The N4 Mullingar to Roosky route had previously been identified in 2008 before being removed from the plan—but is now firmly back on the agenda thanks to strong local and national advocacy.
“This is a really positive development for Longford and the entire north-west region,” said Deputy Carrigy. “We are the only region in the country without a motorway or dual carriageway connection, and this investment is a clear signal that progress is being made.”
Deputy Carrigy raised the project directly in the Dáil with Tánaiste Simon Harris on February 27, pressing the Government to commit to the next phase and guarantee the €8 million needed for Stage 3 in 2025.
In response, Tánaiste Harris acknowledged the strategic importance of the project, describing it as “a vital corridor from Dublin to the north-west” and confirmed that the Government is “back in the business of building roads.”
“I want to thank Tánaiste Harris for his strong support,” Deputy Carrigy added. “We now need to ensure that Longford and Westmeath County Councils are fully resourced to move to Stage 3 next year, and that this project remains a top priority in the upcoming review of the National Development Plan.”
The Programme for Government commits to enhancing road connectivity to the north-west and providing multi-annual investment in strategic corridors like the N4.
Deputy Carrigy pledged to continue working to ensure this commitment is delivered in full for the people of Longford.