Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
571. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be allocated for local improvement schemes to city councils for rural roads within city boundaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27475/21]
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. The scheme, which is funded by my Department, is administered through the Local Authorities.
There was no dedicated funding stream for a number of years until the scheme was re-launched in 2017. Since then, over €58 million has been allocated to deliver the scheme on over 2,300 roads, which have benefited over 10,000 residents and landowners.
Local Authorities in Dublin and the City Councils in Cork and Galway have not been eligible for funding under the LIS. This is due to the nature of the scheme, which provides funding for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas and is typically linked to access to agricultural land. I have no plans at present to broaden access to the scheme to the City Councils.
