Over €1m in funding secured for rural roads in Offaly

OFFALY is set to benefit from a significant boost in funding for rural roads and laneways under the Government’s Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), with a total allocation of €1,050,901 confirmed for 2025.

The funding includes an additional €515,497 announced this week by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD, bringing the national total under the scheme to over €30 million — the highest annual investment since the LIS was reintroduced in 2017.

Fianna Fail Offaly TD Tony McCormack welcomed the funding, describing it as “a vital investment in the future of rural communities.”

“This scheme supports local residents, farmers, and landowners who rely on non-public roads that are often essential for daily life but fall outside local authority maintenance,” Deputy McCormack said. “I’m pleased to see this increased allocation for Offaly, and I’ll be working with the council to ensure the funding is used effectively.”

His Fine Gael colleague, Deputy John Clendennen commented: “This is a major boost for Offaly’s rural communities. With this announcement, our total funding under the scheme for 2025 has almost doubled allowing Offaly County Council to carry out much-needed upgrades on local roads and laneways that are vital to everyday life for families, farmers and communities.”

READ NEXT: Offaly couple celebrate fifty years of wedded bliss

Deputy Clendennen praised the Department for responding to the needs identified by Offaly County Council and confirmed that works funded under the scheme must be completed before the end of the year.

These roads may not be on the official map, but for many in Offaly, they are the only way in and out of their homes and farms. This investment will significantly improve safety, connectivity, and quality of life in rural parts of our county,” he added.

The Local Improvement Scheme provides funding for the improvement of private and non-public roads that give access to homes, farms, and local amenities. Roads eligible under the scheme typically serve multiple landowners and are often used for agricultural or community purposes.

Since the scheme’s reintroduction in 2017, over 4,800 rural roads have been upgraded across the country, benefiting more than 20,000 residents. The latest funding announcement brings the total national investment to nearly €184 million.

Deputy McCormack encouraged residents and landowners with eligible roads to engage with Offaly County Council to explore potential inclusion in the scheme.

“This is a practical, targeted investment in Offaly’s rural infrastructure,” he said. “Improving these roads means improving safety, access and quality of life for people who live and work in our countryside.”

The works funded under the scheme must be completed by the end of 2025.

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Tanaiste to open Tullamore Show as Taoiseach cancels