The programme for Government states under the transport heading that it will enhance the road connectivity to the north west, increase funding for roads and provide multi-annual funding. The N4 recently announced an emerging preferred route from Mullingar to Roosky through County Longford. It is the only region that is not serviced with motorway or dual carriageway access. An emerging preferred route was announced previously in 2008 before it was taken off the national development plan. It is back on the plan and a funding of €8 million is needed for stage 3 of that project in 2025. Can I get a guarantee that the €8 million will be available for Longford and Westmeath county councils to progress stage 3 of the N4 and ensure we deliver that project over the next ten years?

I thank Deputy Carrigy for that. This is a very important project. It is a strategic corridor from Dublin to the north-west region and the Border counties. The project is about 54 km in length, connecting Mullingar and Westmeath to Roosky in Longford.

The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Canney, reminds me that his Department is well aware of this project. The emerging preferred route has now been selected and has closed out of phase 2. The route option selection, however, is ongoing. We will look at this seriously in the context of the review of the national development plan, which is due to conclude around July. Let me be very clear for the Deputy's constituents and people right across the country; this Government is back in the business of building roads.