Opposition to N4 green route grows

Members of the N4 Concerned Working Group are prepared to take their findings to An Bord Pleanala and possibly Europe if the proposed Green Route is selected for the new N4 Mullingar to Roosky dual carriageway.According to Working Group member Clair O"Neill, the group has already invested thousands of euro in hiring experts on Hydrology, Environmental issues and Transportation.The working group, who are based around Multyfarnham, have also been in contact with a specialist legal team and have made several requests for further information under the Freedom of Information Act.'We have a very well informed legal team all supported by a united group in the community so we will be presenting it at an oral hearing of An Bord Pleanala,' Ms O"Neill explained when asked what response could be expected if the route were chosen.She expressed serious concern about the delicate hydrological system around Scragh Bog, Lough Owel and Fulmort Fen which the group believe could be adversely affected by any road works in the area.'Many concerns have been raised over environmental issues and these are being investigated in accordance with the environmental guidelines,' explained Westmeath County Council Senior Executive Engineer Ambrose Clarke.Mr Clarke expects a preferred route to emerge by the end of March or in early April. Further consultation will take place when the preferred route is chosen, 'there will be room for manoeuvre' and some tweaking can take place on the route, explained Mr Clarke.However, the Concerned Working Group believe a simple three meter widening of the existing route would accommodate the new road and would be the logical option, both in terms of cost and as an environmentally friendly option for the road.Ms O"Neill urged the NRA to 'stop wasting our money'. She claimed the NRA should improve safety on the existing route and consider the option of a three meter extension to the road.She believes the current system of consultation set up to address the concerns of a local community doesn"t go far enough. 'We as a Working Group want to see substantial development protect the visual landscape and protect businesses providing services,' she said.Acknowledging the concerns of the Working Group, Mr Clarke invited anyone who was worried about the possible affect of the road to visit him at his office in Mullingar.The project is being funded by the NRA on an annual basis and Mr Clarke said he has yet to be informed of this year"s allocation.The N4 Concerned Working Group have commissioned a number of reports from experts and are expecting to have a number of important environment and hydrology reports in the coming weeks.Ms O"Neill claims the group will have a 'huge body of information in place' by the time the preferred route is chosen by the NRA. She now hopes this information can influence the final decision of the NRA.