Rural road funding rises to €17.55 million under 2026 Local Improvement Scheme
Budget increase brings total investment since 2017 to more than €201 million
25 February 2026 | 📧 editor@ipropertyradio.com
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced €17.55 million in funding for local authorities under the 2026 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS).
The allocation represents a €2 million increase secured in Budget 2026 and will fund repair and improvement works on non-public rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. Of the total, €550,000 is ringfenced for eligible roads on offshore islands.
Since the scheme was reintroduced in 2017, more than €201 million will have been allocated to local authorities, including the 2026 funding. To date, almost €184 million has supported works on over 5,500 roads.
The scheme supports upgrades to non-public roads that provide access to homes and farms, agricultural lands, and certain community amenities such as graveyards, beaches and piers. Roads serving commercial enterprises are not eligible.
Under the 2026 allocations, the largest overall funding amounts are directed to counties with extensive rural road networks. Galway receives the highest total allocation at €1.42 million, including €250,000 for island roads. Cork is allocated €1.35 million, including €140,000 for islands, while Donegal receives €1.23 million, including €100,000 for island works. Mayo is allocated €1.2 million, with €50,000 ringfenced for island roads.
Other counties receiving more than €1 million include Kerry (€1.13 million), Tipperary (€1.12 million) and Clare (€941,790).
At the lower end of the allocations, Carlow receives €374,850, Louth €372,890 and Kildare €350,000.
Local authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads in consultation with residents and landowners. Works are carried out when weather conditions are suitable, with the scheme opening in February to support delivery within the year.
The Department’s funding is complemented by a required local financial contribution. Households or landowners benefiting from the works must contribute 10% of the estimated cost where up to five parties are involved, and 15% where there are six or more. The maximum contribution per household or landowner is capped at €1,200, provided all beneficiaries contribute.
The Local Improvement Scheme remains one of the State’s targeted rural infrastructure supports, focused on maintaining access to homes, farms and community amenities across rural Ireland and the offshore islands.
