€351,880 has been allocated to Laois County Council under the Local Improvement Scheme for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways.
The funding under this scheme is to improve access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities such as lakes and rivers.
Non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf) for two or more persons are eligible for this scheme.
While so too are non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, mountains and others.
Laois TD Sean Fleming and local Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett welcomed the news.
Deputy Fleming said: “I am pleased to see this funding for County Laois for improvements on our rural roads for landowners and residents in our communities.
“Laois County Council are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for these improvement works in consultation with residents and landowners.
“Costs of repairs will be provided by this funding as well as a contribution by Laois County Council and the landowner / Householder.
“There will be a cap of €1,200 of on the amount of that any individual householder of landowner will be asked to contribute towards the costs of the repairs to their road.
“There is always a list of applications for the Local Improvement Scheme in the Council.
“Laois has a good record in dealing with these rural roads and having the works completed in the course of the year.”
Minister Hackett said: “It is important that we can all get out and about and enjoy our beautiful countryside and this funding allows for repairs and improvement to access roads.
“Not only do we want safe access to amenities but we also need to help people and farmers have safe access to their homes and farms.
“This funding also covers roadways to places like graveyards where again access is a matter of safety.
“Laois will receive €351,880, Offaly €380,760, Westmeath €358,320 under this allocation of the Local Improvement Scheme.
“I encourage people to get in touch with their Council to find out how this funding can assist them or their community.”
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