Over €640,000 announced for local laneway repairs

Over €640,000 has been allocated to Cavan and Monaghan as part of the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.

Cavan has been granted €336,913; while Monaghan was awarded €304,736.

In total €12.5 million is available under the scheme, which can be used for repairs and improvement works on non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by the local authorities.

The investment is key to supporting vital road infrastructure in rural communities, as well as providing access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers and beaches.

For the first time under the scheme, Minister Humphreys announced the ring-fencing of €500,000 to support rural roads on offshore islands.

This investment will benefit island communities in Galway, Cork, Donegal, Mayo and Sligo.

The overall announcement by Minister Humphreys means some €112 million has now been allocated to local authorities under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017.

Minister Humphreys also said the funding is vital for connecting rural communities.

“The Local Improvement Scheme is about making people’s lives that bit easier, ensuring we have good access to homes, farms and our local amenities.

“This is what ‘Our Rural Future’ is all about – ensuring more and more people can live work and raise a family in rural communities throughout Ireland.

"Since this scheme was reintroduced in 2017, over 3,700 roads have been funded for repair works. This has made a real difference to the lives of over 16,000 landowners and residents."

Fianna Fáil's Deputy Brendan Smith praised the announcement of the funding saying the funding must be used at once.

“I welcome this government funding which will enable the repair of part of our local lane network throughout both counties which is so important for rural communities.

"Unfortunately many laneways leading to family homes are in poor condition and need to be repaired without further delay”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.

Fine Gael Senator Joe O’Reilly also welcomed the news.

“This landmark fund is the first of its kind, the first time we’ve seen time dedicated funding for island communities. Our homes, farms, and local amenities here in Cavan will reap the benefits of this investment."