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Local Improvement Scheme

Your council pays for the bulk of the work on a private lane or non-public road, and you pay a small local contribution, capped at €1,200 per household.

Last checked July 2026

What it is

Improves a private lane or back road serving homes or farms. The council covers most of the cost and you pay a small share, capped at €1,200 per household. Apply through your local authority.

Who can get it

The road is private or non-public and is not maintained by the council
It provides access to two or more separately owned or occupied parcels of land, at least one used for farming, or is used to harvest by two or more people
The households or landowners on the road can cover the small local contribution between them

Good to know

Your share is 10% of the cost on a road serving up to 5 households or landowners, or 15% on a road serving 6 or more, and it is capped at €1,200 per beneficiary.
You apply to the Roads section of your local county council, each council runs its own list and deadlines.
Demand is high and funding is allocated each year, so a road can sit on the list for a while before it is done.

How to apply

Applications go through DRCD. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.

Go to the official page →

Checked against the official source on 25 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.

Questions people ask

How much do I have to pay under the Local Improvement Scheme?

A local contribution of 10% (roads serving up to 5 households) or 15% (6 or more), capped at €1,200 per household or landowner. The council pays the rest.

What roads qualify?

Private or non-public lanes and back roads that the council does not maintain, serving two or more separately owned parcels of land with at least one used for farming.

How do I apply?

Contact the Roads section of your local county council. Each council runs its own application list and deadlines.

How long does it take?

Demand is high and funding is allocated yearly, so a road can be on the list for some time before the works are carried out.

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