Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to concur with Senator Murphy's comments about the announcement by Deputy Denis Naughten yesterday. I wish to put on record my thanks for the work he did on behalf of the people of County Longford. He represented County Longford for two terms and even since that has always been supportive of any projects, be it the just transition or gas.

I have raised the issue of the N4. I met with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, which describes it as a priority. That project from Mullingar to Rooskey, which services the entire north west of this country, ties into the national development plan regarding balancing regional development, which is core to the programme for Government of all three parties. However, it seems that the climate action plan is superseding the national development plan, with projects being withdrawn. That is not acceptable.

We who live in that region of the midlands and north west are entitled to the same services and support as everyone else in the country. One just needs to look at a map of Ireland and the missing link is that the north-west region needs services to our capital. If what I am hearing is correct, it is a disgrace if that project is taken off that plan. Funding needs to be put in place to bring that project to a planning permission stage, to lock in a route and if there is a delay in the development of that roadway, so be it. Do not kick that can or kick it out of the grounds altogether. It is not acceptable. We are entitled to the same services as every other region in the country. What about the 20 deaths, the 30 serious injuries and the 218 accidents that have occurred on that road since 2008? That is only going to continue because we are putting the climate action plan ahead of the national development plan. This needs to be changed.Those projects need to proceed to the planning permission stage.