A total of €1 million in funding has been secured for Local Improvement Schemes (LIS) in Cork, according to Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Minister of State at the Department of Justice & Equality, David Stanton. The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) monies are made available to local authorities to support the improvement of non-public rural roads.
“I am delighted that €1 million in funding is being made available to Cork County Council by the Minister for Rural and Community Development. The allocations to the local authorities are based on geographical size and with an area of almost 7,500 km2, Cork County can receive the scheme’s maximum grant allocation of €1 million.
“This funding comes in addition to the €44.1 million allocated to Cork County Council on 29th January this year for improvements and maintenance for local and regional roads. This was a 22% increase on last year and was over 10.5% of the total budget available nationwide.
“Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has approved over €10.5 million in funding for local authorities nationwide. The funding will allow for the repair and improvement of small roads and laneways leading to local people’s homes and businesses that are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities.
The Department of Rural and Community Development will provide up to 90% of the funding, with the remaining contribution coming from local residents, or local authorities in the case of roads leading to public amenities. Local authorities will have until 23rd March to decide on what projects will be funded.
“This scheme is in recognition of the importance of non-public rural roads for people living in rural Ireland. These roads provide vital access to homes and farms as well as amenities such as lakes, rivers or the sea and their upkeep is a priority for those using them as this ensures local connectivity”, said Minister Stanton.
