asked the Minister for the Environment the procedures governing the operations of local improvements schemes from 1967 to 1981; if he will give details of any changes which were made recently in these procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Local Improvement Schemes.
800.
The administration of the Local Improvements Scheme is a matter for county councils subject to the provisions of the Local Government (Roads and Drainage) Act, 1968, (No. 6 of 1968) and general guidelines issued annually by my Department.
Following the adaptation of the Local Improvements Scheme to take account of EEC aid available under the western package for farm roads, it was necessary this year to advise the county councils concerned that:—
(a) a specified minimum amount of their allocation should be devoted to farm road projects,
(b) that a minimum local contribution of 10 per cent (which is a necessary condition for EEC aid), would apply to farm road projects.
In the case of that portion of their allocations not devoted to western package projects, it is open to county councils to apply the general principle of the scheme (which in appropriate circumstances may include a lower rate of, or no local contribution) to other Local Improvement Schemes.
A copy of the 1982 memorandum issued to the county councils in the western package area will be forwarded to the Deputy for his further information.