Council invites applications for funding on private/non-public roads

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Local Improvement Scheme Westmeath County Council (WCC) is inviting applications for the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS Scheme).

The LIS scheme, which is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), enables the carrying out of improvement works on private/non-public roads.

The closing date for submission of applications is August 28.

Westmeath County Council said today (Wednesday) that due to changes to the guidelines, all previous applicants who were unsuccessful are advised to review the current guidelines to confirm if they may now be eligible to re-apply for consideration.

Eligible road projects, the council said, are those that involve the construction or improvement of non-public roads which provide access to parcels of land, of which, two or more are owned or occupied by different persons, one of which must be for agricultural/harvesting purposes; for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons; or to at least one parcel of land owned or occupied by a person engaged in agricultural activities AND which separately provides access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for at least one other person.

Works can also be carried out on amenity roads leading to important community amenities such as heritage sites, graveyards or tourist sites, the council said.

All applications must meet the guidelines and conditions set out by the DRCD. A local contribution is required per application, and the DRCD will provide the balance of funding.

Application forms are available from the Transportation Department: Tel 044 9332216 or 044/9332288, or by emailing roads@westmeathcoco.ie

Applications received will be considered for any funding which may be made available prior or subsequent to this closing date, the council said.