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Thursday, 7 August 2025
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced an additional €14 million in funding for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), bringing the total budget for 2025 to a record €30 million.
The LIS supports the improvement of non-public roads that provide essential access to rural homes, farms, and outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains, and beaches. These routes, while not maintained by local authorities, are vital infrastructure for rural communities.
“I am delighted to have secured a further €14 million for the Scheme, which almost doubles our investment this year,” said Minister Calleary. “This demonstrates my commitment to improving connectivity for rural residents—whether it be access to homes, farms, or outdoor amenities.”
The additional funding follows consultations between the Department and local authorities, with allocations based on each county’s capacity to complete works by year-end. Local authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising eligible roads in collaboration with residents and landowners.
Since its reintroduction in 2017, the LIS has upgraded over 4,800 roads, benefiting more than 20,000 landowners and rural residents. With this year’s investment, the Government will have committed nearly €184 million to rural road improvements under the scheme.
“I am very much aware of the demand across our local authorities,” Minister Calleary added. “My Department will work closely with councils to ensure this funding is fully delivered in 2025.”
Detailed county allocations under the additional funding and total 2025 budget are available from the Department.
Minister-Dara-Calleary-Picture-on-Wikimedia-by-Jeff-Meade
