O’Shea Welcomes Record €2.33M Allocation for Cork under Local Improvement Scheme

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has today welcomed a record allocation of €2,331,377 to Cork County Council under the 2025 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), following the announcement by Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD.

The funding includes an additional €1,167,898 in supplementary funding secured this week, bringing Cork’s total LIS allocation for 2025 to over €2.3 million – one of the highest in the country.

Deputy O’Shea said “This is fantastic news for communities across rural Cork. The LIS plays a vital role in improving access to rural homes, farms, and outdoor amenities across the county. I’ve worked closely with Minister Buttimer and Minister Calleary to ensure Cork received a strong allocation, and I am delighted that this record investment has now been confirmed.”

The Local Improvement Scheme supports the upgrade of non-public roads and laneways, which are not normally maintained by local authorities but are critical for rural residents. These routes often provide the only access to homes, farmlands, and community amenities such as piers, beaches and walking trails.

Cork’s allocation is part of a national supplementary funding package of €14 million, bringing the total 2025 LIS budget to over €30 million, the highest annual funding level since the Scheme was reintroduced in 2017.

Since its reintroduction, over €184 million has been invested nationally, with more than 4,800 rural roads upgraded and over 20,000 landowners and residents benefitting from the Scheme.

Deputy O’Shea added “Cork has a vast rural road network and this funding is absolutely essential for keeping our communities connected. I would encourage landowners and residents to engage with Cork County Council as they identify and prioritise eligible roads for improvement under this year’s scheme.”

Under the LIS Scheme, local authorities consult with residents and landowners to determine which roads will receive improvement works. All funded works must be completed before the end of the year.