Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1608. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a standard cost per square metre accepted by her Department for applications by county councils under the local improvement schemes; if this is higher on islands than on the mainland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12534/23]
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 was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. I am committed to improving connectivity for rural and island residents, whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. Up to 2022 this has seen upgrade works on over 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
My Department reviews the scheme criteria each year prior to launch including the mechanism for funding allocation. The prioritisation of roads for submission to my Department is a matter for each local authority in line with the Scheme Outline.
I have increased the funding for the Local Improvement Scheme each year since 2021 and allocated an additional €20.5 million during 2021 and 2022 towards the scheme. 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.
Each application is evaluated by the relevant Local Authority based on its merits, taking into account various factors including the condition of the road. Similarly with regard to improvement works on the Islands a number of factors are considered including the proximity of the island to the mainland and the cost of transporting materials to the various islands. For these reasons there are no set costs per meter square with regard to improvements works carried out under the Local Improvement Scheme.
