Funding for roads on Ireland’s offshore islands is to be “ring-fenced” for the first time under a scheme announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.
A sum of 0.5 million has been earmarked specifically for islands as part of a 12.5 million euro national scheme for repairs and improvements on rural roads and laneways.
This investment will benefit island communities in Galway, Cork, Donegal, Mayo and Sligo, her department says.
The funding, under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), will support the continued improvement of non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by the local authorities, it says.
“The investment is key to supporting vital road infrastructure in rural communities, as well as providing access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers and beaches,”it says.
A total of €112 million has now been allocated to local authorities under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017, and over 3,700 roads have been funded for repairs.
“Having visited many of our offshore islands in recent months, I know that there are many road projects in need of investment,” Humphreys said, stating this demonstrated her commitment to island life.
2023 Local Improvement Scheme Ireland's Offshore Islands Allocations