Mayo Government TDs have welcomed €610,944 from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2022.
Deputy Alan Dillon said: "This extremely positive announcement will see our laneways and non-public roads in Mayo receive improved access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities.
"Prior to this news, Mayo Local Authority consulted with local residents and landowners to identify road and laneway projects where works could start immediately and be completed this year.
"Fine Gael is working to build stronger, safer communities and we want to see more people living, working and raising a family in our rural communities throughout the country. We will continue to fight for rural homeowners in Mayo and make the case for further increases in funding."
His party colleague Cllr Michael Ring also welcomed the announcement, saying: "The funding provided by the Department will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/households. There is a ceiling of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost.
"The scheme provides substantial grant aid for the upgrade of these routes and assists homeowners with the costs. In many cases where there are multiple homes on a lane, neighbours will work together to draw down funding under the scheme."
Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary was also positive about the announcement, saying: "The Local Improvement Scheme is about making life a little bit easier for those rural families who live on a laneway or non-public road. The scheme provides substantial grant aid for the upgrade of these routes and assists homeowners with the costs. In many cases where there are multiple homes on a lane, neighbours will work together to draw down funding under the scheme.
"I want to see young people building on their family land, living in the community they grew up in and seeing their children attend the local school and playing for the local GAA club – this is what our rural communities are built upon.
"I will always fight for rural homeowners and I will continue to make the case for further increases in funding under the Local Improvement Scheme."
