Over €1.2m allocated for Offaly Local Improvement Scheme non-public roads
Cllr John Clendennen has welcomed Minister Heather Humphreys' announcement today of record funding allocation of €1.26 million for repairs and improvement works on non-public rural roads and laneways under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) in Offaly.
The funding will contribute to the development of rural communities in Offaly, according to Cllr Clendennen.
The Fine Gael councillor said: "This allocation of €1.26 Million for Offaly is a game-changer for our rural communities. It signifies a profound commitment to enhancing road access to homes and farms, which is fundamental for the daily lives of so many local residents and families."
He welcomed the amendment, saying: "This responsive adjustment, made after listening to feedback from local representatives, reflects Fine Gael's adaptive approach to meeting rural development needs, whilst providing the necessary flexibility to schedule works during favourable weather conditions, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in improving our rural infrastructure’, stated Cllr Clendennen.
"There has been a significant demand for the Local Improvement Scheme in the Birr Area, it is most likely that Offaly County Council will open the scheme to applications in the coming weeks but I would encourage the local authority to prioritise completion of the current backlog of applications. I would also encourage all eligible residents in Offaly to engage, complete an application form and ensure they are in a position to benefit from this important opportunity," concluded Councillor Clendennen.
Speaking as she announced the allocation today, Minister Humphreys said: "I am delighted to announce record funding of €40 million for the Local Improvement Scheme, which will improve hundreds of rural roads and laneways across the country. “LIS is a critical source of funding for small non-public roads not normally maintained by local authorities. “It’s a fantastic scheme under which the homeowners and farmers who use the lane make a small local contribution and the Government provides the balance of funding to ensure that people can access their homes and farms on good quality surfaces."
Minister Humphreys has also announced a number of amendments to the eligibility criteria: ‘I am amending the LIS criteria so that only one herd number will be required for a valid LIS application. Up to now, two herd numbers were required to be using the lane. I am making this change in response to feedback I have received from local representatives and it will ensure that more families can now qualify for the scheme.
"I am also aware that Local Authorities need to carry out LIS works when weather conditions are favourable. In recognition of this and in order to help local authorities better plan their work programmes, I am providing greater flexibility so that Local Authorities can use their allocation throughout 2024 and 2025," continued Minister Humphreys.