Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1359. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reintroduce the local improvement scheme so that rural lanes and roads which are in bad need of repair can access funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35461/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1360. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the community involvement scheme is not the same scheme as the local improvement scheme; his further views on the fact that the lack of the local improvement scheme is leaving lanes and byroads in poor repair; his views on whether this will take billions of euro to address in future years; if he will reintroduce the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35476/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1359 and 1360 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
I would like to explain that the difference between Local Improvement Schemes (LIS) and Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) is that the LIS relates to works on private roads while the CIS relates to works on public roads which would usually only be considered towards the end of a County Council's roads programme.
Maintenance of private laneways/roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the landowners concerned. Due to the major cutbacks in roads funding it was necessary for my Department to cease making separate allocations to local authorities in respect of the LIS. The approved scheme remains intact and local authorities can use a proportion of their Discretionary Grant (15%) for the LIS should they wish to do so.
While there is a modest increase in funding for roads this year, it will take some years yet under the Capital Plan to restore "steady state" funding levels for regional and local roads. The primary focus has to continue to be on the maintenance and renewal of public roads.
In light of the provision in the Programme for Government indicating that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Community Involvement and Local Improvement Schemes, I will review the scope for making a separate grant allocation once the planned Review of the Capital Plan is completed.
