Government finally see need for dedicated Local Improvement Scheme – Feeley

Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul Feeley has welcomed the decision of Minister Michael Ring to re-introduce the Local Improvement Scheme for the first time since 2011 reversing the previous decision of Fine Gael to effectively abolished it when they stopped making any allocation to local authorities to carry out work on lanes.
‘The letter sent to Chief Executives of County Councils throughout the country on the 24th August 2017 indicates that the Minister intends to make an allocation to Councils this year. It demands a response from Council by the 14th September setting out details of roads which could be completed, that there is a local contribution in place and that the work can be completed by the end of 2017. Whilst the restoration of the Scheme is welcome, the turn around time on the letter is a very clear indication that the Minister and his Department are somewhat out of touch with reality given that the opportunity to carry out work on roads in the autumn and winter is minimal. An announcement such as this should be made in the early part of the year to allow for proper planning by the local authority and the completion of quality work’
‘We have argued for the re-introductions of the Local Improvement Scheme for the last number of years. Consistently, the Fine Gael Councillors have defended the removal of funding and sought to divert funding from the already deteriorating local and regional roads. At least this circular from the Department lays bear any semblance of credibility that the Fine Gael Councillors have on this matter. Deputy Brendan Smith and Eamon O Cuiv have fought this in the Dail since the last election very strongly. I hope that the Government will now ensure that the Scheme is in place each year into the future.’
‘There are about two hundred applications on hand in Cavan as it stands, many others have held off lodging applications given the failure of the Government to provide funding. A consistent level of funding is needed into the future for the LIS
ENDS