Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
114. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the local improvement scheme in Cork; the number of applications received and approved in Cork in 2022 and to date in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28333/23]
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 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.
Between 2017 and 2022, almost €7.4 million was provided to County Cork which has resulted in improvement works taking place on 186 roads benefitting landowners and residents in these rural areas.
Cork was allocated a total of €1,298,240 in 2022. As part of this allocation a total of 22 roads were submitted and approved for funding. This year €1,065,151 has been allocated to Cork for improvement works, including a specific allocation of €140,000 for works on off shore islands. A total of 19 roads were submitted and have been approved for funding.
