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Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2021

Wednesday, 3 November 2021

Ceisteanna (182)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

182. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the local improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53486/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities and represents a vital piece of infrastructure for rural communities. As part of 'Our Rural Future', the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme is funded into the future. This reflects the important contribution which the scheme makes to connectivity in rural Ireland.

The scheme has been funded by my Department since 2017 and is administered by Local Authorities. Prior to 2017, the scheme was not funded for a number of years.

I launched the 2021 Scheme on 14th May with a budget of €10.5 million. I was very pleased to source additional funding for the Scheme during the year and to allocate a further round of funding on 29th July to bring the total level of funding to €21 million this year.

I was also pleased to be in a position to announce an increase in the provision for LIS from €10.5 million in 2021 to €11 million as part of Budget 2022.

Details of the 2022 Scheme will be announced in the new year.

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