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Local Improvement Scheme Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018

Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Questions (536)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

536. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the timescale for the spending of local improvement scheme, LIS, funding can be postponed to March 2019 in order to allow county councils to allocate funding in view of the fact that he has not yet issued direction to councils (details supplied) in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46948/18]

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Written answers

The Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in predominantly rural areas. The scheme is funded by my Department and administered through the Local Authorities.

I announced details of the 2018 Local Improvement Scheme on 27th February last when I allocated an initial sum of €10.8 million to Local Authorities across the country. At the time, I asked Local Authorities to provide a secondary list of roads which could be completed before the end of the year if further funding became available under the LIS.

On 26th October, I allocated an additional €10 million in funding to Local Authorities under the scheme, based on their secondary lists of priority roads.

A letter issued to all relevant Local Authorities on 2nd November 2018, advising them of their allocations and that works should be commenced immediately with a view to having all works substantially completed by the end of the year. Details regarding payment draw-down arrangements will follow shortly, but this should not in any way delay the commencement of the works.

In 2017, I also allocated LIS funding in two separate tranches. The second round of LIS funding last year was notified to Local Authorities on 16th November 2017 and the Authorities were able to substantially complete the LIS works by the end of the year. I have no reason to believe, therefore, that the Local Authorities will not be in a position to substantially complete their 2018 works before the end of this year.

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