Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
772. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase funding available to the local improvement scheme programme; the cost of restoring the programme to pre-2012 levels. [23997/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) remains in place this year. 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. The level of ring-fenced funding provided by the Department in 2011 was €5 million. 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.
