McLoughlin calls for Local Improvement Schemes to be re-introduced

FINE Gael TD for Sligo Leitrim, Tony McLoughlin says Local Improvement Schemes for rural areas should be re-introduced.

McLoughlin says this funding is hugely beneficial to local communities.

Deputy McLoughlin said: “I am calling on my Government colleague, Minister for Com- munity and Rural Affairs Michael Ring, to reinstate funding through the Local Improvement Scheme.

“This funding is a huge benefit for local communities and allows for improvements on private roads.

“I am calling for this funding to be ring-fenced on an annual basis to allow for these lanes and cul-de-sacs to be kept up to a high standard.

“Local councillors have a huge role to play in this scheme also, working with residents to identify where improvements are required and helping distribute appropriate funding.”

McLoughlin added that the Government will promote an increase in funding for such schemes as the economy recovers.

“The Programme for a Partnership Government provides that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for local improvement schemes annually.”