Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
1060. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding for the local improvement scheme will be allocated to local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8044/21]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas which are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities. It is funded by my Department and administered through the relevant Local Authorities.
Since the LIS was re-launched in 2017, over €58 million has been allocated for improvement works on over 2,300 qualifying roads. It has significantly improved access to agricultural land, homes and public amenities in rural areas, benefitting over 10,000 people.
An allocation of €10 million was available for the scheme in 2020 and this was fully utilized. Recognising that many counties have lists of eligible roads that still require improvement works, I secured an increase in the budget for the LIS this year. The allocation for 2021 is €10.5 million, an increase of 5% on last year.
I will be launching this year's LIS shortly and will announce the funding distribution to each Local Authority at that stage.
