Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
79. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how her Department intends to support the rural road network under the LIS scheme throughout County Cork in 2024; if she will ensure the necessary upkeep and maintenance of rural minor roads in view of recent flooding and adverse weather which resulted in major deteriorating of rural roads; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10193/24]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities.
Since the scheme was re-introduced in 2017 my Department has allocated almost €130 million towards improvement works on over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes. Last year alone, almost €30 million in funding was allocated to local authorities across the country which represents a record investment in the scheme and highlights my commitment to funding the scheme into the future.
From 2017 to 2023, a total of €10.1 million has been allocated to Cork to fund works carried out on over 200 roads. This is the third-highest allocation nationally. In 2023 alone, more than €2.7m was allocated to Cork for repair and maintenance works on 47 non-public roads.
A total of €13.55 million has been allocated to LIS in 2024, an increase of €1 million from last year. My Department officials are currently finalising the scheme details for the coming year and an announcement will be made shortly.
