Laois to receive €4.2 million investment from Transport Infrastructure Ireland for road improvements

€4,291,949 has been allocated to Laois under the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) National Roads and Greenways Allocations for 2024.

Priority criteria for allocation includes the protection and renewal of the existing network, progression of major projects in or near construction and progression of those projects which are further along in the development pipeline.

€3,796,000 of the total fund being allocated for Capital Investment which covers Protection & Renewal and Active Travel.

While €445,949 is for Current Maintenance which includes Protection and Renewal.

Local politicians have reacted favourably to the announcement.

Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming gave a breakdown of some of the funding as follows:

• €1,800,000 for the N78 Ballylehane Lower to Farnans
• €1,000,000 for the N77 Portlaoise
• €600,000 for the N77 from Course to Dunmore
• €124,000 for the N80 Rathillig Junction
• €50,000 for the Greenway from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise

He said: “I look forward to Laois County Council Management and Elected Members finalising its roads programme for 2024 as soon as possible, to ensure all these works are completed this year.

“A top priority of Fianna Fáil in Government is investing in rural Ireland and the maintenance and improvement of our roads to make it as safe as possible while supporting economic development.”

Fine Gael’s Charlie Flanagan said: “These allocations are an important step in a pathway of planned investment in our national road network over the remainder of this decade.

“The road allocations will allow us to build on the investment that has taken place over the past number of years which has helped improve regional connectivity and has supported economic development across the county.

“€50,000 has also been allocated for early planning stages of a greenway from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise.

“This is a very exciting time for cycling and walking infrastructure in Ireland which will provide greater facilities for leisure and tourism cycling in the coming years.”