Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
60. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current backlog of local improvement scheme applications that have yet to be processed in each local authority by year in tabular form; if her attention has been drawn to the current number in each county that are waiting on improvement works to be carried out at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60243/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. These roads are vital to supporting rural connectivity.
Considerable progress has been made since 2017 in upgrading these laneways and minor roads, with investment of €80 million providing for works on over 3,000 roads and benefitting over 13,300 people. This includes significant funding of €21 million this year.
Notwithstanding the considerable advances made, it is appears that there remains strong demand right across the country.
Local Authorities have provided my Department with an estimate of the number of road applications on hand. However, the data provided requires further analysis by my officials to ensure that it provides a consistent and reliable representation of the overall level of applications on hand across the country.
For example, while the available data shows variations between counties, the analysis undertaken to date would indicate that figures are not directly comparable in all cases.
This can be for a variety of reasons. Some Local Authorities have included in their returns the assessed and eligible applications, while it would appear that others include all applications received. Additionally, some counties may not have opened a call for new applications in recent times while others will have done so.
On this basis, my Department does not have consistent and reliable data in relation to this matter. Each year, my Department reviews the Local Improvement Scheme to ensure its continued efficient and effective operation. As part of that process, my officials will be reviewing the process for requesting and collating the data in question in order to ensure more consistent and rigorous data is available to underpin the Scheme.
