Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1581. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding allocations to local authorities will be announced for the local improvement scheme for 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11953/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Our Rural Future, Ireland's 5 year rural development policy, the Government has committed to ensuring the Local Improvement Scheme is funded into the future. This reflects the important contribution the scheme makes to connectivity in rural Ireland.
There is no other source of public funding for these roads which provide vital access to agricultural lands, rural homes and other important community amenities. This is why I have sought to prioritise funding to the scheme in recent years.
As you know, the scheme was re-introduced in 2017, following several years of no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2023, my Department has allocated almost €130 million towards improvement works on over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes. These works have benefitted nearly 20,000 landowners and residents all over rural Ireland. This is a clear indicator of the positive impact that this investment is having right across the country.
In 2023 alone, I allocated almost €30 million in funding for LIS. This represents the highest-ever annual investment under LIS and was the third consecutive year in which funding allocated to the scheme has increased.
My Department is currently finalising the scheme details for 2024, and an announcement on the terms and conditions of the scheme is expected shortly.
