Applications for the local improvement scheme in Leitirm will open next month.
The decision was made at a special meeting of the local authority today.
The LIS scheme provides funding to assist local authorities to carry out improvement works on private and non-publicly maintained roads and laneways.
Elected representatives voted to open the call for Applications on November 1st next with a closing date on January 26th 2023.
Roadways eligible must include 2 landowners and one occupied house. Priority will no longer be given on a chronological based system but on applicants meeting a range of criteria.
This includes the condition of the road, the number of beneficiaries or the special medical circumstance of the home owner.
Councillor Paddy O’Rourke raised reservations over the need for two landowners, he believes this will affect up to 50% of applications. However, council officials informed the meeting this was a condition enforced by the Department.
The meeting also heard Once an application is submitted it cannot be changed.
Sinn Fein’s Brendan Barry questioned what would happen if a householder had a change in medical circumstances and needed the laneway completed sooner than anticipated.
Council officials stated if this was introduced it would mean there would be no priority list.
A review of the scheme will take place after a year.
