Westmeath has received more than a quarter of a million euro for small and rural roads under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS ), Longford-Westmeath TD Peter Burke (FG ) announced this week.
“Some €282,000 is on its way to the county to repair 1,838km of badly damaged roads under the Local Improvement Scheme,” Deputy Burke said on Tuesday. “This is a fantastic scheme re-started by the Government after it was cut during the recession.”
The LIS provides funding for the repair and upkeep of non-public roads, which often lead to houses and important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, and mountains.
Through the scheme, the Government covers between 85 and 90 per cent of the cost, with the remainder covered by residents.
“The roads in question are non-public roads which are not maintained by the council,” explained Deputy Burke. “This funding is the only source available to the landowners, residents and farmers. It is vital to maintain access to small homes and yards across north and south Westmeath, and I am delighted that such a stretch will be covered in 2018.”
A total of €10m has been allocated nationwide for 2018, split by county based on geographic size. Westmeath County Council has been informed of the allocation and has been asked by the Government to reply with a list of projects by late March.
Many residents have already applied to the council directly for LIS funding, but applications will remain open until March 31. Applications can be emailed to [email protected].
“Having worked with a number of farmers and landowners in relation to applications, I am hopeful that many roads across Westmeath will be resurfaced and improved which will have a positive effect on road safety and accessibility,” concluded Deputy Burke.
