Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 February 2022
276. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total number of local improvement scheme projects each local authority had on hand in each of the years from 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10341/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of 'Our Rural Future', the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future. This reflects the important contribution which the scheme makes to connectivity in rural Ireland.
Considerable progress has been made in upgrading these laneways and minor roads since 2017 when the scheme was reintroduced, 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 last year.
Notwithstanding the considerable advances made, it is appears that there remains strong demand right across the country.
While my Department has received an indication of the level of demand in each county, it does not have consistent and reliable data regarding the number of roads awaiting improvement works. My officials are currently reviewing the process for requesting and collating such data. This is with a view to determining whether a more consistent, timely and rigorous approach to data collection might be employed across the local authority system to underpin the Scheme and inform allocations to each county.
