Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1598. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide emergency funding to Clare County Council under CIS and LIS following a very rough winter period which made significant damage to the more rural roads in the County; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13328/24]
View answerAs part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future. The scheme funds repair works on non-public roads not normally maintained by local authorities.
In 2023 alone, a record investment of almost €30 million was allocated to local authorities nationwide, bringing the total amount invested in LIS since its re-introduction in 2017 to almost €130 million. over €1.37 million was allocated to Clare County Council to fund works in 2023 to complete works on their list of priority roads.
Whilst my Department is pleased to support efforts to ensure a high standard of roads in rural areas, primary responsibility for the upkeep and repair on public roads remains within the remit of the local authorities and the Department of Transport. Flood relief initiatives and associated schemes are funded via the Office of Public Works and local authorities.
The Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) is a joint venture approach between local authorities and local communities, carrying out maintenance and repair works on suitable regional and local roads. It is funded by the Department of Transport, and my Department has no role in this scheme.
I have made numerous representations to my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding contributing to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme. I will continue to engage with the Minister and in the meantime I will work with local authorities to ensure that the LIS continues to deliver maximum benefits in rural communities across Ireland.
My Department is currently finalising the Local Improvement Scheme details for the coming year and an announcement on the terms and conditions of the scheme is expected shortly.
