Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1599. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what steps she will take to ensure that all 30 applications made under CIS and 146 applications made under LIS to Clare County Council will be funded by her Department in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13329/24]
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 vital contribution that the scheme makes to connectivity in rural Ireland.
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 rural Ireland.
From 2017 to 2023, over €6.3 million has been allocated to Clare County Council to fund LIS works carried out on over 149 roads non-public roads. In 2023, over €1.37 million was allocated in LIS funding to Clare for repair and maintenance works on 22 roads benefiting 73 households.
While my Department provides funding, the selection of roads to be funded under the scheme is a matter for each local authority and is 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.
My Department is currently finalising the scheme details for the coming year and an announcement is expected shortly. My officials will be in contact with local authorities as soon as it is announced and will work closely with local authorities to ensure this year's LIS funding is fully utilised.
With regard to the Community Involvement Scheme (CIS), this is a scheme funded by the Department of Transport. It is a joint approach between local authorities and local communities for the restoration/maintenance of suitable public roads and is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.
