Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2023
63. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development in relation to the announced allocation of €12.5 million to the local improvement scheme for 2023, if further funding is being considered for this scheme given the demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8974/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme, or 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. I am also committed to improving connectivity for rural residents – whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.
The Local Improvement Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this month with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an additional €0.55 million for improvement works on our offshore Islands.
I will continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns this year in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to again allocating additional funding to the scheme as was seen in 2021 and 2022 where an additional €20.5 million was allocated. I also launched the scheme 7 weeks earlier this year compared to 2022. The early announcement of the 2023 allocations will help local authorities to complete works over the course of the year.
Finally, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding his Department contributing to a jointly funded LIS.
