As you are aware, the Local Improvements Scheme provided funding for non-public roads and the maintenance and improvement of these roads is in the first instance a matter for the relevant landowner. In view of the current financial circumstances, my Department is not in a position to provide funding under the Local Improvements Scheme in 2012. Given the limited funding available to maintain the road network, I have to concentrate resources on the maintenance of public roads, including those in rural areas and it is not possible to assist with works on non-public roads at present. However, the scheme has been suspended and not abolished. If and when the financial position of the State improves, it will be possible to re-open this scheme. In the interim, it is open to local authorities to continue to operate the scheme or a similar scheme from their own resources and I am sure they will do if they consider it to be a good use of limited resources.