More than €875,000 has been allocated for repairs and improvement works on non-public roads in rural communities in Galway.
Minister Heather Humphreys this week announced €10.5 million for repairs and improvements to rural roads under the Local Improvement Scheme.
Galway Senator Aisling Dolan said that the LIS funding would improve access to rural homes and farms, along with outdoors amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.
“The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways in Galway that are not normally maintained by local authorities, but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents.”
Since the re-introduction of the LIS in 2017, more than 2,400 roads around the country have received funding for essential works.
Galway’s allocation under the scheme this year is the second highest in the country, exceeded only by Cork, which will receive €920,000.
The €10.5 million allocated for the Local Improvement Scheme in 2021 is a 5% increase on last year’s LIS funding level.
Galway TD Denis Naughten said “This investment means heavily used shared laneways and access roads that connect homes, farms and businesses to the public road network will be repaired, improved and upgraded.”
Minister Humphreyd added “I know there is a significant demand for funding under the Local Improvement Scheme right across the country.”
“That is why I am today announcing increased funding for every county under the scheme, however, I am acutely aware that more is needed.”
“I am working to identify if additional funding can be provided for LIS in 2021 and I would therefore urge each Local Authority to utilise the funding announced today, and complete the repair works on the selected roads, as soon as possible.”
“This would position them well to undertake repairs on additional roads before the end of the year should further funding become available”.
