AN allocation of almost €600,000 from the Local Improvement Scheme will fund vital improvement work to rural roads and laneways throughout County Clare, Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has said.
Welcoming the funding, announced by Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys, Deputy Carey said it would help communities improve non-public roads and lanes that are not typically maintained by local authorities.
“Homes, farms, and local amenities in Clare will reap the benefits of this investment which amounts to €597,910 for the current year.
“Clare County Council is responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with local residents and landowners. The funding from the Local Improvement Scheme will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners or householders, as well as local authority resources,” Deputy Carey explained.
“The contribution from the household or landowner is set at ten per cent of the estimated cost for eligible roads with up to five households or landowners, and 15 per cent for roads serving six or more households or landowners.
“The maximum amount that any household or landowner is required to contribute is capped at €1,200.
“This latest announcement by Minister Humphreys means that €112 million has now been allocated to local authorities under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017
“Local connectivity is absolutely vital for our rural communities. We all know parts of rural Ireland that can be difficult to access because the road or laneway is in need of repair and this funding will go towards making essential improvements,” Deputy Carey added.
