Funding to the tune of €22 million has been announced for the upgrade of rural laneways and non-public roads as a part of ‘Our Rural Future’.
The announcement will see counties receive a significant increase in their allocation under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2022 which focuses on the upgrading of rural laneways and non-public roads providing access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities.
Announced Monday by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, Cork saw an additional €419,141 allocated, bringing the total allocation made this year to €1,298,015.
Limerick received an additional €445,019 while €481,703 was allocated to Tipperary and €494,266 went to Waterford.
Cork East TD, James O’Connor welcomed the funding for Cork, stating that the LIS ‘is about making life a little bit easier’ for those who live on laneways and non-public roads.
“The scheme provides substantial grant aid for the upgrade of these routes and assists homeowners with the costs. In many cases where there are multiple homes on a lane, neighbours will work together to draw down funding under the scheme.
“I want to see young people building on their family land, living in the community they grew up in and seeing their children attend the local school and playing for the local GAA club – this is what our rural communities are built upon.
“I will always fight for rural homeowners and I will continue to make the case for further increases in funding under the Local Improvement Scheme,” Deputy O’Connor said.
Prior to Monday’s announcement, each Local Authority was asked to consult with local residents and landowners and identify road and laneway projects where works could start immediately and be completed this year.
The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/householders.
There is a ceiling of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost.
This round of allocations is based on the level of works local authorities have indicated they can deliver under the scheme by the end of this year following engagement with local residents and landowners.
