Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1606. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the local contribution required by her Department under the local improvement scheme 2023; if there is a cap on the contribution depending on the cost of a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12532/23]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (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 was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. I am committed to improving connectivity for rural and island residents, whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. Up to 2022 this has seen upgrade works on over 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I have increased the funding for the Local Improvement Scheme each year since 2021 and allocated an additional €20.5 million during 2021 and 2022 towards the scheme. I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this month with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an additional €0.55 million for improvement works on our offshore islands.
My Department reviews the scheme criteria each year prior to launch including the mechanism for funding allocation. The prioritisation of roads for submission to my Department is a matter for each local authority in line with the Scheme Outline.
A component of the delivery of the scheme is a local contribution made by the beneficiaries towards the cost of the improvement works. Where the number of beneficiaries is five or fewer a local contribution based on 10% of the total cost of the project is required. Where the number of beneficiaries is six or more, the contribution is 15%. The local contribution is capped at €1,200 per beneficiary, on the basis that all beneficiaries contribute. It should be noted however, that the vast majority of beneficiaries contribute much less than the €1,200 cap based on the cost of the improvement works.
