Cash injection for rural roads

Government funds have been announced to upgrade small roads in rural parts of Tipperary, with a particular boost coming for many laneways leading to farming land and other local rural roads in a move hailed by the two coalition TDs in the north of the county.

Tipperary receives the fifth highest allocation of the 25 counties to benefit from the total package of €14 million that has been announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary. In the current year Tipperary has been allocated total funding of €1.8 million - made up of an original allocation of over €1 million announced earlier in 2025 and now a supplementary allocation of  €795,500. The funding has been welcomed by both the local Fianna Fáil TD Ryan O' Meara and the Independent TD Michael Lowry, who supports the Government. Deputy Lowry said: “This is a significant and very welcome investment in Tipperary’s rural infrastructure. Many of these roads are in daily use by farm families and rural dwellers but have long gone without proper maintenance. This scheme directly addresses that need, and I’m proud to have secured nearly €1.82 million to support local communities in every corner of the county.

“As work begins on shaping the next National Development Plan, I will continue to push for strong, ongoing investment in rural transport infrastructure. Improving rural connectivity and supporting balanced regional development will remain a top priority for me.”

Deputy Ryan O’Meara said it was vital to continue to invest in Tipperary’s network of non-public roads.

“Access to rural homes and farms, alongside the access to outdoor amenities here across Tipperary is crucial for our county and this substantial funding will help enhance the accessibility to those amenities for locals and visitors alike,” he said.

Deputy O’ Meara added: “I will ensure as the elected representative for North Tipperary, to work closely alongside our county council to deliver the works that were indicated to be completed. Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to supporting rural communities across our island, especially through accessibility and better connectivity. I am pleased today to see us not only deliver on that promise, but double down on it with additional funding.”

MINISTER'S STATEMENT

Announcing the additional funding, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to have secured a further €14 million for the Scheme which almost doubles our investment this year.

“ The €30 million which I have made available to our local authorities this year represents the highest annual funding level since the scheme was re-introduced.

“This additional funding demonstrates my commitment to improving connectivity for rural residents – whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.”

Under Local Improvement Scheme, local authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners.

The works must be completed before the end of the year.

Minister Calleary continued: “I am very much aware of the need to support this scheme and the demand that is apparent across our local authorities.

“Over the coming months, my department officials will work closely with local authorities to ensure that this funding is fully delivered this year to improve our non-public rural roads and laneways.

“The Programme for Government commits to increasing the Government’s investment in our rural roads through the Local Improvement Scheme. With this additional funding under the Local Improvement Scheme this year, we will have invested almost €184 million in upgrading rural roads and laneways across the country since 2017.”