Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
630. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of the severe backlog of applications on hand with Donegal County Council under the local improvement scheme as the annual funding provided to date has not been sufficient to clear it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6439/24]
View answerAs part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future. This reflects the important contribution which the scheme makes to connectivity in rural Ireland.
As you know, the scheme was re-introduced in 2017 following several years with no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2023, my Department has allocated almost €130 million towards improvement works on over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes. These works have benefitted almost 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
In 2023 alone, I allocated almost €30 million in funding for LIS. This represents the highest ever annual investment under LIS and was the third consecutive year in which funding allocated to the scheme has increased. This reflects the priority that I have afforded to the scheme in recent years.
Last year over €1.99 million in funding was granted to Donegal County Council, including LIS funding for the repair of Island roads, bringing the total amount allocated to Donegal since 2017 to more than €11 million. This equates to 8.8% of the total funding to date, and the is largest investment in any county under the Scheme.
My officials liaise closely with local authorities to ensure that allocations are utilised fully each year. While my department funds LIS, it is administered by local authorities who prioritise road projects and establish eligibility as per Section 81 Local Government Act 2001.
Though much progress has been achieved in recent years, there still remains a waiting list of roads to be completed in Donegal and indeed nationwide.
A total of €13.55 million has been allocated to LIS in 2024 and my Department is in the process of finalising the terms of the Scheme with a view to addressing the backlog and to launch the Scheme as early as possible to ensure local authorities are given every opportunity to complete as many roads as possible.
Finally, I wish to re-iterate my commitment to funding the Local Improvement Scheme as I understand its importance to rural communities. My officials continue to engage with all local authorities in relation to the management of LIS waiting lists.
In addition, I have been in ongoing communication with my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding his Department possibly contributing to a jointly funded LIS scheme which would allow us to more rapidly address the demand under the Scheme
