LIS funding announced for rural roads and laneways

Funding to the tune of €879,000 was announced last week for improvement and repair works on rural roads and laneways in Cork.

Overall, €11 million in Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) funding was announced across the country by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Tipperary was allocated a sum of €644,070 under the funding allocations, while Limerick received €485,974 and Waterford was allocated €92,910.

The funding, announced on Tuesday, April 5, will support the continued improvement of non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by the local authorities. Such roads represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents - providing access to people’s homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers or beaches.

News of the funding for Cork county was welcomed by Cork East TD and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Transport, James O’Connor.

“This news is very much welcome across Cork county, especially for our rural sector who need support to keep roads fit for purpose. It is important to keep supporting our rural communities to allow them access local villages and this funding will help in keeping roads up to good standard,” Deputy O’Connor said.

With this additional funding, over €90 million has now been allocated to local authorities under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced 2017.

“I would urge Cork County Council to utilise this funding as soon as possible over the summer months,” Deputy O’Connor added.

The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/ householders, as well as from local authority resources. There will be a cap of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.