Westmeath allocated €1.17m for rural road improvements

Westmeath has been allocated €1.17m in funding for repairs and improvement works on rural roads and laneways.

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

Previously, every LIS application required two herd numbers, but now only one is required. This change in the eligibility criteria has been welcomed by local politicians, including Deputy Robert Troy and Cllr Emily Wallace.

Deputy Troy said that the change will ensure that the scheme will benefit more people.

"Rural roads and laneways represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents - providing access to homes, farms and businesses, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes and rivers.

“Good roads are absolutely vital for our rural communities, providing access to people’s homes and farms. The funding allocation for 2024/2025 for such roads in Westmeath under the Local Improvement Scheme will make a huge difference in terms of access and connectivity.

“We are all familiar with the roads and laneways within our own communities that are full of potholes and in desperate need of repair. The funding being delivered under this scheme will help to address this."

Cllr Wallace said that the funding, which the council can allocate throughout 2024 and 2025, is a "game changer" for rural communities.

“The scheme, particularly beneficial to our rural and agricultural communities, ensures that everyone in Westmeath can access their properties on well-maintained roads.

"I am particularly pleased with the adjustment to the LIS criteria, where now only one herd number is required for a valid application, a change from the previous requirement of two.

“This amendment will substantially increase the number of eligible families and farms, facilitating broader access to this crucial funding. This responsive adjustment, made after listening to feedback from us, the local representatives, reflects Fine Gael's adaptive approach to meeting rural development needs."