13 Feb Mayo roads to receive over €950,000 under LIS scheme – Dillon

Over €1million has been allocated in Mayo for repairs and improvement works on rural roads and laneways.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding of €12.5 million for repairs and improvement works on our rural roads and laneways.

The funding, under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), will support the continued improvement of non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by the local authorities.

The investment is key to supporting vital road infrastructure in rural communities, as well as providing access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers and beaches.

Deputy Alan Dillon said €954,736 has been allocated for LIS roads throughout Mayo.

And for the first time under the scheme, the Minister today announced the ring-fencing of €500,000 to support rural roads on our offshore islands.

This investment will benefit island communities in Galway, Cork, Donegal, Mayo and Sligo. A total of €50,000 has been allocated to six islands off the Mayo coast.

The overall announcement by Minister Humphreys means some €112 million has now been allocated to local authorities under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017.

Deputy Dillon said: “I am delighted to announce over €954,736 has been allocated in Mayo to improve roads and laneways in towns and villages across the county.

“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.

“The Local Improvement Scheme is about making people’s lives that bit easier, ensuring we have good access to homes, farms and our local amenities.

Minister Humphreys said:

“I’m also really pleased today to announce an investment of €500,000 specifically for our island communities.

“Having visited many of our offshore islands in recent months, I know that there are many road projects in need of investment.

“This is the first time that the islands have been specifically included in the Local Improvement Scheme, which demonstrates my commitment to enhancing island life.”

Deputy Dillon said: “A total of €50,000 will be spent on roads on Clare Island, Inis Bigil, Inishcottle, Inishlyre, Inishturk and Clynish to improve their roads system, which is most welcome.”