Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2185. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to the fact that not all landowners have a herd number and that in order to avail of the local improvement scheme a herd number is required; if this will be amended in order that more persons can avail of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42618/22]
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. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity in rural Ireland.
From 2017 to 2021, my Department allocated €80 million towards improvement works on over 3,000 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 13,300 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I was pleased, as part of Budget 2022, to announce an increase in the base funding for LIS from €10.5 million to €11 million this year. Following a review of savings within the Department, I have recently announced an additional €11 million for the scheme, thus doubling the 2022 allocation to €22 million. This brings the allocation since 2017 to over €100 million.
The Scheme in administered and managed locally by relevant local authorities. Eligibility is verified locally in line with a Scheme Outline prepared by my Department. The onus is on the applicant to provide evidence to verify agricultural or harvesting activity in line with the parameters of the Scheme. While this can be demonstrated by presenting relevant herd or flock numbers, alternative methods may also be employed if they can definitively demonstrate eligibility.
Individual applicants should engage with their local municipal district office to discuss the various eligibility requirements that relate to the Scheme.
