Offaly gets €290k funding for local roads projects

A total of 13 roads in Offaly are to get a €290,765 share of €10.8 million allocated under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) to repair roads and boreens.

Rural Affairs Minister Michael Ring published a list of more than 400 roads across the country that will get funding from LIS scheme that was reintroduced last September after a gap of eight years.

The €10.8m to be assigned this week comes on top of €17m announced last September

"This scheme is a lifeline for people living in rural areas because it directly improves their access to and from their homes and farms," the Minister said.

"Many people living and working in rural areas use these roads every time they enter or leave their home or farm, so the condition of their access road really impacts on them.

"I cannot overstate how important local connectivity is in order to enable rural Ireland to function well," said Mr Ring.

The list of roads in Offaly that will get a funding boost are:

Bunsallagh, 300m €13,196; Derrybeg Lane, 500m €14,875; Rohanstown, Ballinahown, 700m €22,848; Derrinlough, Cloghan, 850m €32,130; Curry's Lane, Clonmore, 600m €18,630; Daingean Road, Tullamore 140m €24,098; Killaun, Birr, 465m €33,690; Newhall, Sharavogue 250m €9,450; Treascon, Portarlington, 525m €25,659; Clonmore Road, 550m €14,025; Rathure, Killyon 840m €31,725; Lisheen, Birr, 230m €8,694; Bloomville, and Sranure, 900m €41,718.

That's a total of 13 roads at a cost of €290,765.

Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy said: “Investing in the improvement of these roads really makes a positive impact on people’s quality of life in rural areas.

“Many lanes and boreens which link private homes and farms are not on the public road network and so are not Offaly County Council. The Local Improvement Scheme is therefore a very valuable support for rural families and businesses that use these roads on a daily basis.

Cllr John Foley welcomed the announcement.

"I have worked with some of the residents in these areas to secure funding and we are delighted with the outcome. The maintenance of these lanes/roads will be of huge benefit to the residents who have been dealing with the consequences of the poor conditions on a daily basis, I would hope that now that the funding has been secured that the works can commence as early as possible."