Local Improvement Scheme

Laois County Council may provide support to groups of local residents and landowners for the restoration of non public local roads serving their properties. The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It provides grant funding for improvement works on small roads and laneways which are in private/non-public ownership.

What is the scheme?

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development to help local authorities carry out improvement works on small roads and laneways in rural areas.

What projects are eligible?

Eligible road projects are as follows:

  • Road projects which provide access to parcels of land of which two or more are owned or occupied by different persons engaged in separate agricultural activities; or
  • Road projects which provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons; or
  • Road projects that provide access to at least one parcel of land owned or occupied by a person engaged in agricultural activities AND which separately provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for at least one other person.

In addition, works can also be carried out on Amenity Roads. Amenity Roads are non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as: 

  • graveyards
  • beaches
  • piers
  • mountain access points or 
  • other tourist/heritage sites

A local contribution of 10% or 15% of the cost of the project (including VAT) is payable by the applicant, i.e. 10% up to and including 5 residences and 15% for 6 or more residences (capped at €1,200 per household).

This Scheme does not apply to roads taken in charge by the Council i.e. public roads

How to apply?

  1. Download and complete the Application Form directly below.
  1. Completed applications can be submitted by email to roadsadmin@laoiscoco.ie or by post to the Roads Department, Laois County Council, County Hall, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. R32 EHP9. 

Further information

For further information please email roadsadmin@laoiscoco.ie