Major criticism of scheme that impacts many in Kilkenny

At the most recent meeting of the Piltown Municipal District in South Kilkenny, councillors expressed mounting concerns about the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) and its inconsistent implementation over recent years.

The LIS provides funding for the improvement of non-public roads that benefit multiple properties, such as private lanes and agricultural access routes.

Cllr Tomas Breathnach highlighted a deeper issue - the constant changes to eligibility criteria.

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“Nearly every year, the criteria changes. There’s no consistency. The scheme was stopped in 2011 and reinstated in 2014. It’s unfair for us to encourage applications when people later find out they’re ineligible,” he remarked.

Acknowledging the frustration, Area Engineer John Tennyson noted the difficulties faced by applicants. “I appreciate that. It’s a source of angst,” he said.

The meeting saw a consensus on the need to escalate the matter and chase up the Department for further details.

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