Local Improvement Scheme Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017

Monday, 11 September 2017

Questions (1732)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

1732. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason a short timeframe was given to local authorities to assess the level of demand for the local improvement scheme (details supplied); if he has given consideration to extending the timeframe for same in view of the fact that demand will have risen significantly and therefore persons and local representatives will need sufficient time to process applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37965/17]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I am currently in the process of examining the possibility of introducing a Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) in 2017 to support the maintenance and improvement of non-public roads and laneways, many of which are in rural areas.  In this regard, my Department wrote to relevant Local Authorities recently to establish the level of demand for such a scheme and the capacity of the Local Authorities to complete works under a scheme by the end of this year.

Local Authorities were asked to provide information to my Department by 14 September to assist me in making an informed decision regarding the potential impact and feasibility of introducing an LIS, and subject to the necessary funding being available. It is not possible to extend this deadline if decisions are to be made around the possibility of introducing a scheme this year and making funding available quickly from the 2017 funding envelope.

I will consider the issue of the level of funding and disbursement arrangements in full on receipt of the information requested from the Local Authorities.

Question No. 1733 answered with Question No. 1729.