More than €677,000 has been allocated to Donegal for repair and improvement works on local and farm access roads, laneways and boreens around the county.
A new round of Local Improvement Schemes funding was announced today, with €10 million allocated nationally.
Minister Joe McHugh welcomed the funding total granted for Donegal and said: “Funding of more than €677,000 for rural, local and farm access roads is hugely important and makes a real and lasting difference.
“The money will go repair and upgrade hundreds of kilometres of roads to improve access to homes, farms, tourist spots and local amenities.
“Donegal got one of the highest allocations in the country last year and again this year the allocation of €677,456 is a hugely significant spend. This will ensure dozens of access roads can be worked on.”
The funding was allocated by the Department of Rural and Community Development under its Local Improvement Scheme (LIS).
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, also announced that the 2019 LIS will include a cap of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.
Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher added his disappointment that the amount allocated to Donegal falls short of what was applied for.
Deputy Gallagher said: “A total of €10 million was allocated nationwide and the Donegal allocation of €677,456 will certainly allow for a great number of roads to be done within the county, there will of course be disappointment due to the fact much more was applied for by the local authority.
“LIS applications are extremely important for rural part of our county and it is essential that increased funding is approved for the county, as currently there is a massive backlog of roads awaiting funding.
“I am calling on the Government to consider another round of funding to be allocated later in the year,” concluded Pat the Cope.
