Local councillor welcomes huge funding announced for Offaly under Local Improvement Schemes

Local councillor, John Clendennen, has welcomed an allocation of €674,785 in funding for Local Improvement Schemes in Offaly.

An incredible figure of €380,760 was allocated in April and an additional €294,025 has been allocated this week by Minister Heather Humphreys.

The funding will allow for the repair and improvement of several small roads and laneways leading to local homes, farms and businesses that are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities. The works carried out will require on average a 15% contribution from respective householders and all works are expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Cllr Clendennen stated: “Having raised the matter at several meetings of Offaly County Council, I am delighted with Minister Humphrey’s announcement of additional funding, particularly considering the high demand for the scheme in the Birr Electoral Area. This is an important scheme for rural Ireland and it is essential that Government keep it on the Agenda with an annual allocation’’.

The Kinnitty based Councillor also highlighted this Government's commitment to rural Ireland, “the Government hasn’t been found wanting in supporting important rural schemes such as the Local Improvement Scheme and I’m confident that there will be a continued commitment to provide additional funding in the coming years through the Department of Rural and Community Development, which would be delivered by Offaly County Council.”

“It is important at this point that we, Offaly County Council, carry out upgrades for all current applicants whilst continuing to call for Expressions of Interest for the scheme and prepare a full and conclusive list of all LIS requirements across both this Electoral Area and the county in its entirety, to ensure we maximise the opportunity from National Government once further funding is made available," concluded Cllr Clendennen.