Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1840. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends on amending Section 81 part (3) of the Local Government Act 2001 in order to make the rules in relation to the local improvement scheme more relevant to the needs of modern rural Ireland, where a decreasing number of people are involved directly in farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16625/23]
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.
Our Rural Future also commits to supporting a vibrant, effective and sustainable agriculture sector, while the Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Agriculture Review and Outlook reports the presence of over 135,000 farms in Ireland.
The LIS 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, almost €114 million has been allocated by DRCD 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.
The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is covered in legislation by the Local Government Act 2001, Section 81 part (3) provides that;
(3) A road authority may provide assistance by way of the carrying out of works, a financial contribution or otherwise towards the construction or improvement of a non-public road which—
(a) provides access to parcels of land of which at least 2 are owned or occupied by different persons, or
(b) provides access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for 2 or more persons, or
(c) shall in the opinion of the road authority be used by the public
The legislation provides that the Scheme is subject to such other terms and conditions as the Minister may consider appropriate.
In this context, and given the need to best target available resources, the LIS Scheme Outline sets out the requirements of the scheme including a requirement in relation to two or more parcels being occupied by different persons engaged in separate agricultural activities. While my Department remains of the view that the current requirements underpin the efficient and effective use of resources, the terms and conditions of schemes are reviewed each year.
I am also pleased to confirm that funding for the Local Improvement Scheme has increased each year since 2021 with an allocation made of €20.5 million during 2021 and 2022 towards the scheme. I launched the 2023 scheme this February 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.
