asked the Minister for the Environment if he will provide funding to repair a lane to the house of persons (details supplied) in County Cavan which was destroyed by storm damage.
Written Answers. - Remedial Works to Road.
95.
Arising from the severe floods earlier this year, my Department is providing £6.5 million to local authorities towards the cost of remedial works to public roads (including bridges). A grant of £59,000 was notified to Cavan County Council under this heading.
In the case of roads which are not in public ownership, certain local authorities, including Cavan County Council, may contribute to the cost of works on these roads under the local improvements scheme. This scheme applies to farm road projects eligible for EC aid under the western package. Under the legislation governing the local improvements scheme, the roads, when constructed or improved must be used as a means of access to two or more parcels of land (owned or occupied by different persons) or serve the public. The cost involved is met from Exchequer grants and contributions from the beneficiaries. The 1986 Exchequer provision for the scheme of £2.15 million has been fully allocated.
The administration of the local improvements scheme, including the selection of projects and the allocation of the Exchequer funds notified by the Department, is a matter for the county councils. Subject to compliance with the above requirements, it is open to local authorities to select for improvement farm roads/bridges damaged in the recent flooding.