Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2023
308. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be an increase in local improvement scheme funding in the budget for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9427/23]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity, which I view as an important issue for rural Ireland – whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.
The Local Improvement Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this month with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an addition €0.55 million for improvement works on our off shore Islands. This is the third consecutive year where the basic allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme has been increased. I also announced the allocations for this years scheme earlier than was the case in 2022, in order to give local authorities the most time possible to complete works on the ground.
I will continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns this year in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to again allocating additional funding to the scheme as was seen in 2021 and 2022.
Finally, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding his Department contributing to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme.
