Laois to receive additional €700,000 funding for road repairs

The Government have announced a fund of €696,500 to assist in the repair of regional and local roads in Laois.

The funding is to deal with the impact of climate change, which has contributed to a deterioration in the surface quality of certain parts of the network over the winter months.

Photo- Roadworks on the N77 Abbeyleix Road in 2023.

Laois roads have been particularly damaged by persistent rainfall over the winter and spring months.

Laois / Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan welcomed the extra allocation of funding in a press release this morning.

"This will go somewhere towards meeting high demand for road repairs in the county. It is envisaged that an additional 5km of road repairs will be carried out with this funding," said Deputy Flanagan.

“Many of the regional and local roads in County Laois have suffered significant damage as a result of severe weather events and in some cases our roads have been faced with damage caused by repeated severe weather incidents.”

“I know this funding will greatly assist in the repairs and ensure our road network in Laois is of the highest standard."

Local Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming has similarly welcomed the news.

 "I’m pleased to receive confirmation from my party colleague Minister Jack Chambers that an additional €696,500 has been allocated for regional and local roads in Co Laois. We need to keep our roads safe," the deputy said.

"This emergency investment will give Laois County Council the funds necessary to repair potholes and other damage on our roads caused by the extremely heavy rainfall over the winter and spring months.

In persistent wet conditions, water seepage contributes to damage such as the development of potholes or pavement collapse. This Government funding will significantly improve the worst impacted areas of Laois roads," said Deputy Fleming. 

This news follows Laois County Council's announcement last April of €1.1 million under the government's Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) for repairs and improvement works on non-public rural roads and laneways.