A TOTAL of €930,989 in funding has been allocated to Limerick City and County through the Local Improvement Scheme.
Nationally, funding for the Local Improvement Scheme has been doubled to €22 million as part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s policy for rural development.
Limerick City Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell welcomed the news from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, that Limerick will see a major increase in its allocation for 2022.
He said: “This extremely positive announcement of €930,989 in Local Improvement Scheme funding for 2022 will see our laneways and non-public roads in Limerick receive improved access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities. This figure is made up of a Round 1 allocation in April of €485,970 and a Round 2 allocation of €445,019 this month (August).
“Prior to this news, Limerick City and County Council 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 Limerick and make the case for further increases in funding.
“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.”
Minister Heather Humphreys added: “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.
“The Department of Rural and Community Development is now exactly five years old. I am proud during those five years my Department has provided over €100 million under the Local Improvement Scheme. That funding has delivered improvements on over 3,000 roads and laneways nationwide benefitting over 13,000 rural homes. The funding I am announcing today will see a further increase in those numbers with many more homeowners benefitting”, Minister Humphreys concluded.”
