Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
393. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the definition of separate agricultural activities under the local improvement scheme which applies to works on private roads; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future. The LIS supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity in rural Ireland.
The Scheme was reintroduced in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. From 2017 to 2021, improvement works have been completed on over 3,000 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 13,300 landowners and residents in these rural areas. This year alone I have committed €22 million under the scheme. Investment in LIS roads has now exceeded €100 million since the establishment of my Department.
Eligible road projects under the scheme are determined by the relevant local authorities in accordance with a broad outline set down by my Department. The road must provide access to parcels of land of which two or more are owned or occupied by different persons engaged in separate agricultural activities.
In order to satisfy the requirement for agricultural activity, applicants should provide documentation to their local authority to verify that they are engaged in such agricultural activities on the parcel of land in question. This can be done by providing evidence such as a herd/flock number or a copy of the maps associated with the applicant's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Basic Payment Scheme application, or equivalent documentation.
