€351k allocated for works on rural roads and laneways in Louth

€351,880 has been allocated for repair and improvement works on non-public roads in rural communities in Louth, with funding being provided through the Local improvement Scheme 2022. The announcement came this morning from Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

The scheme focuses on supporting improvements of rural roads and laneways in Louth that are not normally maintained by Louth County Council. Eligible roads under the Local Improvement Scheme are:

• non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons.; or
• Non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, mountains, etc

Non-eligible roads include:

• Roads serving only houses or buildings occupied or used by persons not engaged in agriculture, and
• Roads leading to commercial enterprises

Local contribution

The financial contribution provided by the household/landowner is set at:

• 10% of the estimated cost for eligible roads with up to and including 5 households/landowners, and
• 15% for those roads with 6 or more households/landowners.

The maximum amount that any household/landowner is required to contribute is capped at €1,200

News of the funding was welcomed by both Louth TD, Fergus O'Dowd and Senator Erin McGreehan. Deputy O'Dowd said that the "Local Improvement Scheme will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches."

Senator McGreehan commented that, "local connectivity is vital for rural communities. The Local Improvement Scheme is an important source of funding for small non-public roads and laneways leading to homes and farms or to amenities such as lakes, rivers and beaches.”