'Insulting' money to fix up Laois lanes where people are waiting years for help

The money recently given to Laois to fix local roads and lanes deemed to be private is ‘an insult’, according to a councillor.

Cllr Ollie Cloney was commenting on the €304,736 awarded to Laois County Council in funding, under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). The Scheme allows the council to help people on private roads carry out repairs. Residents and landowners who use the road must pay part of the cost.

“It is an insult. We have to get more money,” he said.

He added that more money is needed because people are waiting too long for help from County Hall.

He supported Cllr Cllr James Kelly, Independent, who called for more money to be given to the council under the scheme.

He said more there are 50 applications for council support from residents living on these roads to carry out work around Laois are awaiting funding under the so-called Local Improvment Scheme.

“We could do with a lot more money,” he said.

He acknowledged that the wait had reduced from 12 years but is still up to two or three years.

He does not expect the €304,000 to go far when the repair of a road could cost at least €60,000.

Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, said a further €319,000 is coming under the similar Community Involvement Scheme which was ‘slightly’ less than last year. He said there is a waiting list for this also. He hoped there could be an increase later in 2023 for both road schemes.

Cllr Kelly countered that it wasn’t just a slight reduction it was a big reduction.

Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fáil, agreed saying it was a big cut. He added that costs have also risen.

Cllr Seamus McDonald, Fianna Fáil, also hoped for more money later in the year but added that people are waiting up to five years for work to be done on private roads.

Millions for Laois national roads upkeep but zero for new routes or greenways

The issue was raised at the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting with council management.