Local Improvement Scheme funding of €400,000 to upgrade works on Limerick’s rural roads and laneways

Local Improvement Scheme funding will help improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

Local Improvement Scheme funding of €400,000 to upgrade works on Limerick’s rural roads and laneways

The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick has welcomed the allocation of over €400,000 for repairs and improvement works on non-public roads in rural communities across Limerick.

Following the government announcement of €10.5 million for the scheme nationally, mayor Michael Collins was speaking nationally, €404,090 being allocated to Limerick.

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Under the Local Improvement Scheme, the funding announced will help improve access to rural homes and farms and outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains, and beaches.

Nationally over €68 million has now been invested under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017.

The scheme’s focus is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not usually maintained by local authorities but represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Collins said: “This allocation is very welcome for many landowners and farmers right across rural County Limerick. Having proper access to homes and lands and our local amenities is crucially important as we continue to promote rural living as a viable alternative to urban living. 

“There is an increase in the allocation for Limerick this year of €20,000, which is hugely welcome. It is now incumbent on all involved to proceed with these selected works as soon as possible.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said: “As part of ‘Our Rural Future’, the Government has committed to increasing the level of investment in the repair of non-public roads through the Local Improvement Scheme.

“I am therefore really pleased today to announce a 5% increase in funding under the Local Improvement Scheme.

“The Local Improvement Scheme is an essential source of funding for small non-public roads and laneways leading to homes and farms as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

Over €400,000 allocated to #Limerick under Local Improvement Scheme. @cllrmcollins welcomes announcement…https://t.co/B59fWwgIrR pic.twitter.com/LoIx43cLTb

— Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) May 14, 2021

“Since the scheme was re-introduced in 2017, close to 2,400 roads have been funded for repair works. This has made a real difference to the lives of over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland.”

“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.”

Local Authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners.

The funding provided by the will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/householders and 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. 

For the application form, go HERE

For more stories on rural Limerick go HERE