Local politicians, business people and council officials attended a special briefing on the N4 Mullingar to Longford project in Leinster House today.
The meeting was organised by Fine Gael Senator Micheál Carrigy and Deputy Frank Feighan to highlight issues facing the busy route.
Representatives from local Chambers of Commerce highlighted worries that the lack of investment in the road would damage economic expansion in the region.
Earlier this year Minister for Transport Eammon Ryan told Shannonside FM news that the project is not a key priority for the Department of Transport at this time.
Funding announced last month will only guarantee progress for another few months, and there's a very real danger the project could end up being shelved again according to Senator.
Speaking following this morning's briefing, Senator Carrigy says the plans must be progressed in 2023:
They are telling us that we're going to suffer from lack of investment in the future if this isn't upgraded.
Businesses that are looking at potentially locating themselves in the region are pointing at the fact that they don't have access to a safe and speedy access to our capital city, ports and airports.
I want the funding put in place in 2023 to keep the consultants on board and to continue the process to planning permission stage.
I'm not going to wait, a general election could be 18 months away, who knows?
