Rural homeowners in Kildare to benefit from €435,000 funding for upgraded laneways and non-public roads – HEYDON

Funding for the Local Improvement Scheme has been doubled to €22 million as part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s ambitious policy for rural development, resulting in a €435,000 funding total for Kildare residents, Fine Gael TD and Minister Martin Heydon TD for Kildare South has said.

Minister Heydon welcomed the news from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, in this major increase in the Kildare allocation under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2022.

Minister Heydon said: “This extremely positive announcement will see our laneways and non-public roads in Kildare receive improved access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities. The funding provided by the Department will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/households. There is a ceiling of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost.

“Working together with my local team of Fine Gael Councillors we have assisted a number of rural residents in Kildare South to secure funding under this scheme to improve their laneways and non public roads which are vital to maintain access to many homes.

“Prior to this news, Kildare County Council consulted with local residents and landowners to identify road and laneway projects where works could start immediately and be completed this year. The scheme provides substantial grant aid for the upgrade of these routes and assists homeowners with the costs. In many cases where there are multiple homes on a lane, neighbours will work together to draw down funding under the scheme.

“Fine Gael is working to build stronger, safer communities and we want to see more people living, working and raising a family in our rural communities throughout the country. It is vitally important for rural communities across Kildare to receive funding for the projects that will improve their livelihoods, and I will continue to fight for rural homeowners in Kildare and make the case for further increases in funding to improve our rural areas”, concluded Minister Heydon.