Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
321. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has carried out price comparisons on the cost of roads being improved by different local authorities under the local improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17204/24]
View answer322. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has carried out price comparisons on the cost of roads being improved by local authorities under the local improvement scheme versus private contractor quotations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17205/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) 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 by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2023 my Department has allocated almost €130 million to local authorities under the Local Improvement Scheme. This has upgraded, up to end of 2023, over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes which has benefitted almost 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
While my Department provides funding for the Scheme, each local authority is responsible for administering the Scheme in its area. Local authorities are responsible for the selection and prioritisation of roads, and the procurement and tender process in line with Public Spending Code, National and EU guidelines. Given the range of factors influencing costs, such as scope and nature of work, the diversity of locations and physical contexts of LIS roads and varying levels of availability of contractors, the Department does not carry out direct price comparisons.
Local authorities however, are required to retain procurement documentation, including requests for tenders/quotations, the tenders/quotations received, details of how the tenders/quotations were assessed and the successful tender/quotation and to provide these records to my Department if requested to do so. It is important to note that costs incurred should represent a convincing value for money proposition, and that the investment is commensurate with the benefits that the improved roads will provide.
My Department will continue to closely monitor expenditure to ensure LIS funding is fully utilised by each local authority. Additionally, LIS funding is subject to the annual programme of inspections implemented by the Inspections, Compliance and Business Development Unit of my Department.
