Funding boost of €1m for rural roads

CORK has got the highest allocation nationally under the Local Improvement Schemes, with €1m in funding for non-public rural roads.

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.

In all, it will cover 7,457km of local rural roads. 

The Department of Rural and Community Development will provide up to 90% of the funding through the local authorities, with the remaining contribution coming from local residents, or local authorities in the case of roads leading to public amenities.

Welcoming the announcement, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said: ‘These roads provide vital access to homes and farms as well as amenities such as lakes, rivers or the sea. Local authorities will be informed of allocation and will be asked to revert with details of their improvement projects to the Department of Rural and Community Development by the 23rd of March.