Call For Funding To Be Fully Restored To Local Improvement Scheme

The Department of Rural and Community Development has been called to fully restore funding to the Local Improvement Scheme to €5million.

Fianna Fail TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth also urged the Department to extend the expressions of interest deadline.

She said: "The Local Improvement Scheme saw the State providing funds to local authorities to help towards the cost of maintaining private rural roads. However the Government effectively abolished the scheme in 2011 by eliminating specific state funding. This has left roads across Cavan and Monaghan, particularly in rural areas in a state of disrepair.


"Minister Ring's Department recently opened up a consultation process for local authorities to come forward with eligible projects for the scheme. However the deadline is 14 September which means many rural dwellers will not have had a chance to contact the Council with their proposed projects. This deadline should be extended so we can have a fair and accurate assessment of what works are needed."

(CD/JP)