Joe Flaherty
Question:112. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding could be allocated to the local improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28216/23]
View answerTuesday, 13 June 2023
Questions (112)
Written answers
The Local Improvement Scheme supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, 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 residents, whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities. 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.
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 launched the 2023 scheme earlier this year with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an addition €0.55 million for improvement works of roads on our offshore islands.
I 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 over the two years.