Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
632. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a local improvement scheme and a community involvement scheme in 2016, if he intends to have separate budgets for them; and the timeframe for the potential allocation. [14618/16]
View answerThe regional and local road grants were allocated to local authorities in January 2016 (additional severe weather funding was subsequently provided). All available funding has now been allocated.
The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) remains in place this year. This Scheme provides funding for private roads and laneways, the maintenance and improvement of which is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner. While the LIS does not have a ring-fenced allocation in 2016, local authorities may use a proportion of State grant funding (15% of the Discretionary Grant) for LIS should they wish to do so. In addition Councils can also provide monies from their own resources towards LIS.
The Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) also remains in place in 2016 on the basis that local authorities may set aside 7.5% of their Restoration Improvement and Restoration Maintenance grants for CIS schemes if they so wish.
The Programme for a Partnership Government provides that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Community Improvement Schemes and Local Improvement Schemes, on an annual basis. A major objective for the new Government will be to prioritise new investment in local and regional road maintenance and improvements, and CIS and LIS funding will be promoted in that context.
