Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
280. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will introduce specific funding provision in her Department's Estimates for the local improvement scheme in view of the long delays in having such roads brought up to a proper standard for local residents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22080/24]
View answerThe 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, my government is committed to ensuring that LIS is funded into the future.
Since the re-introduction of the Scheme in 2017, my department has allocated almost €170 million to local authorities under the scheme. Up to the end of 2023, this has upgraded over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes, benefitting nearly 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
While my Department provides funding for the scheme, it is administered by local authorities. They are responsible for the selection and prioritisation of roads and to decide whether or not to open the scheme to new applicants or to focus on existing lists. Despite progress made under the scheme in recent years, a backlog of roads awaiting repair remains.
In an effort to address the backlog of roads awaiting repair, I have ensured that the base funding for the scheme has increased year on year, and recently announced €40 million in funding to cover work under the scheme across 2024 and 2025.
Local authorities have until November to complete works and draw down their 2024 funding. They can then submit their 2025 priority lists in January 2025 to ensure that as much time as possible is allowed for the completion of works. This will allow local authorities to plan more effectively for work to be carried out in the medium term, thus facilitating better delivery on the ground.
My priority is to address the backlog as quickly as possible, as I understand the importance of the scheme for rural residents.
Finally, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, regarding his Department's potential contribution to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme.
