Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1495. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider a review for the local improvement scheme to make it easier for land owners and rural dwellings to access the scheme. [36556/23]
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 over €113 million to local authorities under the Local Improvement Scheme. This has upgraded, up to end of 2022, over 3,700 non-public roads and lanes which has benefitted 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 other terms and conditions that are considered appropriate and as such, these are reviewed each year. There is continued demand for the scheme and my Department reviews the scheme criteria each year prior to launch. The prioritisation of roads for submission to my Department is a matter for each local authority in line with the Scheme Outline.
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 in February this year with an increase in the base funding to €12 million and a further €0.55 million for improvement works on our offshore islands.
I continue to monitor expenditure within my Department to ascertain if savings will arise which would facilitate additional funding to the Local Improvement Scheme. I hope to make a further announcement in this regard shortly.
I am committed to ensuring that a well funded LIS continues in the coming years, in line with our commitments under Our Rural Future.
