Rural roads in Limerick get million euro upgrade
IN A BOOST to Limerick's rural communities, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has unveiled additional funding of over €1 million for upgrading rural roads and laneways.
This substantial allocation to be specifically utilised in Limerick for the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) comes following a €16 million countrywide funding announcement.
The Local Improvement Scheme aims to enhance the conditions of non-public roads and lanes not maintained by local authorities.
For rural residents, these roads are lifelines, providing access to their homes, farms, businesses, and beautiful outdoor amenities like lakes, rivers, and beaches.
The Local Improvement Scheme, reintroduced in 2017, has invested almost €130 million in rural communities throughout Ireland. This year alone, the funding stands at €30 million, which underscores the government's five-year rural development strategy, 'Our Rural Future.'
The minister acknowledged that many local authorities, including Limerick, have substantial backlogs of applications for road repairs.
With this additional funding, she urged the councils to expedite the repair works in collaboration with residents and landowners.
The Minister noted that since the Local Improvement Scheme was re-introduced, almost 4,000 roads across the country have been funded for repair works.
This infusion of funds is set to have a transformative impact on the lives of over 16,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland, as well as visitors.
Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said: “Good roads are absolutely vital for our rural communities and this record investment under the Local Improvement Scheme will make a huge difference in terms of access and connectivity.
Eligible roads under the scheme fall into two categories: non-public roads facilitating access to agricultural land for multiple individuals or enabling harvesting activities like turf or seaweed, and non-public roads leading to significant community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, and mountains.