LIS funding welcome but much more needed to clear backlog

Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul Feeley has joined the welcome for the allocation of a further €902,317 under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2022 bringing the total allocation to Co. Cavan for the year to €1,273,457 and represents a slight increase on funding from 2021.
This announcement is welcome but given that there are almost 200 applications still on hand, the allocation will only complete around 20 roads before the end of this year and this is, unfortunately, inadequate.
It is only when allocations are made and precise costing prepared that we can be certain as to how many roads will be done, but given the lack of contractors able to take on the work and the increased cost of materials this allocation will not have the dramatic effect on the list we would all like to see. Costs to complete roads can vary from €30,000 to €200,000 depending on the length and condition of the specific roads in question.
In 2021 the allocation of €1,119,389 completed 23 roads around the county. The 2022 allocation will, subject to the roads continuing to meet the qualifying criteria, allow the Council to deal with applications received in 2015 and early 2016.
Sadly, we are dealing with a backlog created as a result of the failure of Fine Gael to make any provision for the Local Improvement Scheme from 2012 onwards until 2021 and thereafter the allocations have simply been too small to make any headway.
Thankfully, under the current Government, allocations have almost doubled, however the allocations should be made at the start of the year to maximise what Council can do with the money provided.
ENDS