Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting what is an extremely important topical issue in my constituency of Longford-Westmeath. In fact, I can conservatively say that 50-plus jobs are on the line today as a result of the new N4 Downes interchange and the ongoing works. The works, which were initiated in 2008, are not the problem and I welcome the investment by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport of in excess of €14 million in this project. It was an extremely dangerous junction which, unfortunately, saw many fatalities. What is happening now is the issue.

Despite previous assurances from the local authority and the contractors that the medians on this stretch of road would remain open until the flyover was erected, unfortunately, they have not be adhered to. I will give the Minister the history of the issue. Originally, a Part 8 process was embarked upon and the council officials engaged with the vested interests, including businesses and landowners, and advised them that they would maintain the medians on the road in order to provide access to businesses and for local residents during the construction phase.

Extra money became available through the National Roads Authority but, unfortunately, there was a need to re-advertise and go through the Part 8 process again. At no stage was the fact that the medians would close mentioned. A number of business have met the local authority officials and the project office and they have been advised that a number of medians will close on 16 July and the remaining ones will close on 22 August, but the bridge has not been opened. The bridge will be under construction until December of this year. It was understood there was a provision in the agreement with the contractors that reasonable access would be provided to businesses while the works were being carried out but this appears to have been completely ignored.

It is unfortunate the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport cannot be here because he turned the sod on this project and I am sure he is quite familiar with it. I will take the Thomas Flynn and Sons site as an example. Under the current regime, to close the median gaps westbound, N4 traffic with a destination at Flynn's would be required to divert more than 10 km via the N52 interchange to the east of Mullingar. Eastbound, N4 traffic would similarly be required to divert approximately 5 km via the interchange junction near Coralstown. It is a serious inconvenience to people using this route. These people have engaged Traffic Wise Consultants and they have come up with a comprehensive suggestion and a compromise for the council. I understand the council would be willing to engage and take it on board were it not for the NRA which has put in a condition that the contract and the money must be drawn down by the end of December this year.

Will the Minister ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to instruct NRA officials to engage positively with council officials to ensure what needs to be done at a relatively low cost to maintain the 50-plus jobs at these business is done? We suffered 45 job losses in the town of Mullingar yesterday and we do not want to see 50 jobs lost for want of positive engagement with an arm of this State.

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