Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2017
210. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the list of roads to be repaired in each county under the local improvement scheme announced by him will be published; the latest date for county councils to submit claims to his Department in order to receive payment for these road works in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48286/17]
View answerMy Department wrote to Local Authorities in August to establish the level of demand for an LIS scheme this year. The Local Authorities were advised that any requests for funds would be subject to their capacity to complete any proposed works in 2017, and funding availability. On 21st September, I announced the provision of €10 million for a Local Improvement Scheme which supports improvement works on private and non-public roads.
Within the budget available for 2017, it was not possible to fully support the level of demand which the Local Authorities stated they could deliver in 2017. However, all eligible Local Authorities received a minimum of €250,000, with the exception of three Authorities who requested less than that amount. The allocations generally had regard to the geographical area of the counties and the level of demand indicated by the Local Authorities.
Each Local Authority has been requested to submit a revised list of works based on their actual funding allocation and my Department is currently collating this information. Once all revised lists are finalised they will be published on my Department's website.
Local Authorities are required to submit claims for drawdown of the approved funding by 17th November 2017, on the basis that all of the requirements for drawdown under the scheme have been met.
