Big backlog of road improvement applications in Offaly

During a recent meeting of Offaly County Council's Corporate Policy Group (CPG) Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach of the CPG, raised the issue of a big backlog of LIS (Local Improvement Scheme) applicants in the Birr Municipal District.
The Local Improvement Scheme is a government program that provides funding for the construction or improvement of small, non-public roads in rural areas. It is funded through a combination of grants from the Department of Rural and Community Development and local contributions from the beneficiaries of the road. Eligibility for the scheme often depends on factors like providing access to agricultural land or to multiple properties.
Cllr Leahy pointed out that Birr MD is a few years behind in dealing with the applications due to a lack of funding and the high number of applications received.
He pointed out that Birr has responsibility for half of the road network in the county and he asked that Edenderry MD and Tullamore MD pause advertising the scheme for two years to allow Birr MD to catch up.
Cllr Frank Moran told the meeting that Tullamore MD is in a similar position and is currently not accepting LIS applications.
It was suggested that a letter be sent to the Government Department seeking more funding for the LIS.
Paul McLoughlin, Director of Services, suggested that the Council should review the LIS assessment criteria. He also suggested they should review the other sources of funding based on the public road network and “based on the types and number of works required.”

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