O’Shea TD Welcomes Record 2025 Local Improvement Scheme Completions and Confirms Progress Toward 2026 Scheme

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Deputy John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the record spend of €30 million during 2025 for the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), describing it as a major boost for rural communities in Cork and across Ireland.

The LIS supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but are vital to the life of many who live or travel these roads on a daily basis.

Since the re-establishment of the LIS Scheme in 2017 by the then Fine Gael Minister Michael Ring, the Government has invested almost €184 million nationwide under the Scheme. This funding has enabled improvement works on nearly 5,000 rural roads, directly benefiting over 23,000 landowners and residents in rural areas.

Under the 2025 Scheme, Cork County Council received €2.33 million, bringing its total LIS funding since 2017 to €14.15 million — the second-highest allocation to any local authority in the country. Once the annual allocations are set on a county-by-county basis, individual local authorities then have full discretion to decide which roads and laneways are prioritised for improvement each year.

Acknowledging the significant work done on the LIS Scheme, Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD said “The spend for 2025 of €30 million — the highest annual LIS investment to date—reflects the Government’s strong commitment to supporting rural communities. Many families, farmers and rural dwellers rely on these smaller local roads every single day, and for too long they fell outside normal council maintenance schedules. The investment made since 2017 has already transformed thousands of rural roads, and the €2.33 million allocated to Cork for 2025 has allowed further progress. This is about improving safety, access to homes and farms, and supporting rural enterprises. I will continue to work with Cork County Council to ensure that projects most in need of attention are addressed under the Scheme.”

Local Councillor in the North Cork area Cllr. Tony O’Shea also welcomed the continued investment in the LIS Scheme noting the real and lasting impact LIS improvements have on the ground. “Across North Cork, I can see how important this Scheme is to rural residents. Roads and laneways that were in very poor condition for years are now being upgraded, making them safer and far more accessible for the people who depend on them daily. The 2025 allocation has allowed for more communities to benefit, and I will continue to work closely with local groups and Cork County Council to ensure the funding is used effectively and that local priorities are reflected when projects are being selected.”

Deputy O’Shea added “The 2026 Local Improvement Scheme is expected to be launched early next year so I am asking all Local Authorities and especially here with Cork County Council to plan ahead and be ready. The Department will continue to review the Scheme’s provisions to ensure it continues to operate as efficiently and fairly as possible. Officials will remain in close communication with local authorities throughout the rollout of next year’s programme also”.