Written Answers Nos. 631-632
631. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider increasing the overall funding allocated by her Department under the local improvement scheme to assist in clearing the severe backlog of applications on hand with Donegal County Council under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6440/24]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme 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 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 rural Ireland.
Last year alone, my Department invested almost €30 million in LIS funding - the highest amount invested in the Scheme since 2017. My Department works closely with local authorities to ensure that funds are utilised fully and to ensure as many roads as possible are completed each year.
The selection of roads to be funded under the scheme is a matter for each local authority based on the priority or condition of particular roads in their county. Local authorities may rely on existing lists of eligible roads and/or advertise for new applicant roads. There is, however, a backlog of roads awaiting repair under the scheme, despite progress made under the Scheme in recent years.
A total of €13.55 million has been allocated to LIS in 2024, and my Department is currently finalising the scheme details for the coming year.
I will closely monitor the expenditure patterns in my Department, and should savings emerge, I will consider allocating additional funding to the scheme.
Finally, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding his Department contributing to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme.
632. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of WTE enforcement lawyers employed by the Charities Regulator in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased during 2024. [6609/24]
View answerThe Charities Regulatory Authority (the ‘Charities Regulator’) was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Authority is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with the mandate to promote good governance practice.
The Charities Regulator is under the aegis of my department. It is important to note however, that the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions, including recruitment.
The specific grade of ‘enforcement lawyer’ is not applied within the Charities Regulator.
The Charities Regulator has an internal legal function consisting of two qualified solicitors and a qualified barrister, all three are full-time staff members.
There are currently no plans to introduce the specified grade in 2024.
