Major N4 Mullingar–Longford project included in Government's transport investment plan

There has been a hugely positive reaction to the inclusion of the long-awaited N4 Mullingar–Longford upgrade in the Government’s  updated National Development Plan, which has been described as 'essential for economic growth and safety'.

Local Oireachtas members have described the confirmation on Wednesday that the N4 upgrade from Mullingar through Longford to Roosky is to proceed to the next approval stage with construction scheduled in the coming decade as a major boost.

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said he was 'delighted' by the positive development.

“I’m here this morning on the N4 Mullingar bypass on my way to Dublin.

"I’m delighted that today’s announcement of the National Development Plan includes the extension of this project from Mullingar right through Longford to Roosky in County Leitrim.”

The Fine Gael representative emphasised the importance of the upgrade for both economic growth and public safety.

“This project is absolutely essential for the economic future of the Midlands and the North-West, but also for the safety of motorists using this section of road.

"There are over 500 private entrances on this stretch alone, and unfortunately we have seen a significant number of collisions and fatalities over the years.”

The Government has said the major project, currently in the Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case stage, is estimated to cost between €500 million and €1 billion.

It has been listed in the National Development Plan as one of Ireland’s Major National Roads Projects, scheduled to proceed to Approval Gate 1 (AG1) by 2030, with construction to follow.

Deputy Carrigy said the Government’s commitment to the project is a major step forward.

“I’m very pleased to see the Government put the funding and planning commitment in place to deliver this over the next decade. This is a life-saving project and a key driver for investment, jobs and balanced regional development.”

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flaherty said the announcement gives county Longford and the Midlands a guarantee that the project will come to fruition.

"The surest certainty of the long awaited N4 upgrade from Mullingar to Longford has emerged with the project’s inclusion in today’s NDP Sectoral Plan for transport.

“This Sectoral Plan provides specific details on major national roads projects (est costr €200m plus) and where it is expected to see construction start, or main works procurement start, by 2030.

"This level of detail now provides clarity on the project’s viability for the first time.”

Senator Flaherty said currently the N4 project team are working on design after the route selection earlier this year and today’s news confirms that the project will go to procurement in early 2030 and actual construction work to start same year.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said he was very pleased by the inclusion of the long-awaited project in the NDP.

“Today’s approval is a major step forward in delivering the upgrade of the N4. Communities along this stretch of road have been calling for action for a very long time, and this decision finally gives the project the momentum it needs.”

“This road has been an accident hotspot for too long. With more than 900 junctions and an outdated layout, it poses real risks for local families, commuters, and businesses every single day. The upgrade is essential not just for economic development, but for public safety.”

The Longford-Westmeath representative also highlighted the project’s importance for enterprise and regional development.

“The N4 is a critical link between Dublin, the Midlands, and the North-West, supporting industry, tourism, logistics, and commuting,” he added.

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