Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2016
263. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will provide local improvement scheme grant aid to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21776/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I outlined in my reply to the Deputy in PQ No. 852 (Ref. 12810/16) on 31 May 2016 the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) remains in place. This Scheme provides funding for private roads and laneways, the maintenance and improvement of which is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner. While the LIS does not have a ring-fenced allocation in 2016, local authorities may use a proportion of State grant funding (15% of the Discretionary Grant) for LIS should they wish to do so. In addition Councils can also provide monies from their own resources towards LIS.
The Programme for a Partnership Government provides that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Local Improvement Schemes, on an annual basis. A major objective for the new Government will be to prioritise new investment in local and regional road maintenance and improvements, and LIS funding will be promoted in that context.
