Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
313. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the areas in which funding that was allocated to a scheme (details supplied) was spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities and represent 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.
The determination of eligibility and subsequent prioritisation and selection of LIS roads is a matter for the relevant local authority. Selected roads are included in a priority list of roads provided to my Department. In some instances, a road included on a priority list may not be delivered and may be substituted by one or more roads on a “secondary list” provided by the Local Authority.
In 2018, 144 LIS roads were completed in Mayo. I understand that the road referred to by the Deputy was one of a total of 11 approved roads on the priority list in County Mayo which did not proceed. The funding available for these roads was reallocated to 13 roads on the secondary list provided by Mayo County Council. The road referred to by the Deputy was originally selected for works totaling €34,890.
A short section of this road referred to by the Deputy was again included on the priority list from Mayo County Council in 2020. The Local Authority has indicated that the works on this shorter section of the road involved a higher standard of finish than was envisaged in 2018 and was funded in the amount of €29,602.
My officials requested a written report from the relevant local authority in respect of the road in question. The material received referenced a number of engineering constraints linked to the proposed works. Following the commitment I gave to have this matter reviewed, my Department identified that the local contributors requested to raise the road level to protect against tidal flooding.
As the road was located in a Special Protection Area (SPA), works would require an environmental screening assessment. An ecologist report would be required in advance of works and a foreshore licence would also be required. The proposed works would necessitate the construction of a safety barrier. The local authority has confirmed that the considerable additional resources required could not be met from within the Local Improvement Scheme. It was, however, agreed with the applicants that a regular overlay would be applied to the road as these works would not required screening.
