€321,000 in additional fund to upgrade rural roads across county Sligo
Deputy Frank Feighan said the investment would improve access to rural homes, farms, and outdoor amenities as part of the Local Improvement Scheme.
'It's great to see €321,645 allocated to Sligo County Council for rural road improvements.
'We all know a road or laneway across the county that is in real need of an upgrade.
'The Local Improvement Scheme is designed to support the continued improvement of non-public roads in rural communities and improves access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as our lakes, rivers, mountains, and beaches.
'Across the country there is an additional €14 million for the scheme, bringing the total to €30 million available to our local authorities this year.
'This represents the highest annual funding level since the scheme was re-introduced.
'We are dedicated to improving connectivity for rural residents – whether it be access to homes, farms, or outdoor amenities.
'Under this scheme Sligo County Council are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works in Sligo in consultation with residents and landowners, and the work must be completed by the end of the year.
'Eligible roads include non- public roads providing access to parcels of land where two or more are owned or occupied by different people, one of which must be for agricultural purposes, and non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, and mountains.
'While well over €321,000 is very welcome and will further reduce the current list,
'I will continue to press again next year for further funding, we need a significant allocation annually to have an impact on the long waiting lists,' said Deputy Feighan.
Minister of State, Marian Harkin said the total funding for Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal under the scheme to more than €4.12m in 2025.
An additional €528,098 went to Leitrim giving a total of €901,577 while Sligo received an additional €321,645 amounting to €829,421 allocated for rural roads in the county under the Local Improvement Scheme in 2025.
'As discussions around the revised €200bn National Development Plan (NDP) begin to take shape, investment in rural roads and infrastructure will remain my key priority.
'I will continue to advocate for balanced regional development and improved connectivity across rural Ireland,' said Minister Harkin.
The funding has also been welcomed by Cllr Thomas Walsh said:
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