Extra €926,000 announced for Laois to repair private laneways
An extra €926,415 has been announced for Laois for repairs to private laneways.
Laois County Council is to distribute the cash through its Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) with dozens of applications already waiting for the grant money.
It is on top of €304,736 allocated to the LIS schemes in Laois by the Government earlier.
The second round of funding announced on Friday, July 28 brings the 2023 total to €1,231,151.
This funding can be given to improve and repair non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf) for two or more persons.
It is also for non-public roads leading to important local amenities such as graveyards, mountains and woodland walks.
Last year over €860,000 was paid out in to Laois LIS schemes, fixing 14 lanes at an average of €61,500 each.
Some 52 schemes are still on the waiting list in Laois for the scheme, which was left unfunded for many years after the economic crash.
Minister of State Sean Fleming and Laois TD Charlie Flanagan both welcomed the cash announcement.
"This is very positive news for people who live and use our non-public and rural roads for access to their homes, farms and community amenities," Minister Fleming said.
"Laois County Council have already consulted with local communities in Laois relation to this scheme. The application was submitted by the Council to the Department for Rural and Community Development for funding under this scheme. I am pleased that this level of funding has been approved by the Government for rural roads in Laois.
"I would encourage everyone who feels that their rural roads and laneways can come under this scheme, to contact Laois County Council immediately, so their application can be considered for the next round of funding in the coming year," the Minister said.
Deputy Flanagan is urging Laois County Council to work on the backlog of applications.
“I welcome the funding of €926,415 allocated to Laois under the local improvement scheme. This is on top of the €304,736 that was allocated to Laois in the first round of funding that was announced earlier this year.
“This money can be used for non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by Laois County Council, but are critical for rural residents - providing access to homes, farms and businesses, as well as outdoor amenities.
“I would also appeal to Laois County Council to utilise the funding to address any backlog of applications that they currently have. The overall funding is more than double the allocation provided last year,” Deputy Flanagan said.