€1.4m Added To Rural Roads Funding

Friday, 28 July 2023 13:48

Nationally, over €28 million has been invested in the Local Improvement Scheme.

Over €1.4 million has been added to the government's investment to rural roads in the midlands.

The latest round of funding for the Local Improvement Scheme has brought the total in Laois to €1.2 million euro, €704,000 in Offaly and €515,000 in Westmeath.

Nationally, the Local Improvement Scheme has provided over €28 million in funding.

The investment aims to improve non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes for two or more persons.

It also benefits non-public roads leaning to important local amenities such as graveyards, mountains etc.

Laois Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming says:

"This is very positive news for people who live and use our non-public and rural roads for access to their homes, farms and community amenities.

I would encourage everyone who feels that their rural roads and laneways can come under this scheme, to contact Laois County Council immediately, so their application can be considered for the next round of funding in the coming year."

Longford Westmeath Fine Gael TD Peter Burke says:

"I welcome the funding of €194,321 allocated to Westmeath under the local improvement scheme. This is on top of the €321,095 that was allocated in the first round of funding, announced earlier this year.

This money can be used for non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by local authorities but are critical for rural residents - providing access to homes, farms and businesses, as well as outdoor amenities.

Eligible roads under the scheme include non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes for two or more persons. Also included are non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards.

I would appeal to Westmeath County Council to utilise the funding to address any backlog of applications that they currently have. The overall funding is a significant increase on the allocation provided last year.

In our rural constituency, I know all too well what it is like when a milk truck cannot gain access to collect the milk and I know too well how poor quality roads in rural Ireland can negatively impact on families and businesses."