The Local Improvements Scheme, which provides funding for non-public roads and the maintenance and improvement of these roads, is in the first instance a matter for the relevant landowner. Given that the priority in using scarce resources in the current difficult economic climate is to maintain public roads, it was not possible to assist with any works on non-public roads and therefore this scheme was suspended in 2012. It should be noted that it was open to local authorities to continue to operate the scheme or a similar scheme from their own resources. I am in the process of approving the regional and local roads grants for 2013. I can confirm that the Local Improvement Scheme will be reinstated for 2013. However, there is no separate allocation for this grant category. Instead, local authorities may use up to 7% of their Discretionary Grant towards local improvement schemes should they wish to do so. The local contribution for these schemes has been increased to 20% of the total cost of the project. Apart from this amendment, the same eligibility rules apply for these schemes. Details of the 2013 regional and local roads grants, which will include details of this, will be communicated to local authorities in the coming weeks.
