Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all know how popular the local improvement scheme is. I have increased the budget for the scheme to €12 million this year. Last year, due to savings in other areas, I was able to provide additional funding for the scheme. The scheme is a priority, and I know it is well received and welcomed. I do not have a list of the outstanding lanes in the different counties but I think I had one previously. We engage with local authorities and while the situation keeps changing, we will continue to engage with them.

I have spoken often about the demand for this scheme. I am still asking the Department of Transport to consider assisting with the scheme given the level of demand. We have engaged with the local authorities to ascertain the exact level of LIS applications on hand in each county. As part of that work, my Department has been informed that the maximum value of LIS projects to be carried out in any one year is €30 million. This is due to factors such as the availability of contractors, etc. I have allocated an extra €1 million and there is €12 million in the fund. My only problem is that if I put more funding into LIS, I would have to take it from somewhere else. These are all important targeted schemes. I will continue to stress to the Department of Transport how important the LIS is for rural Ireland.

On the LEADER programme, the allocation is based on the expected demand this year. It is a cyclical programme and demand varies each year. The amount allocated is based on what we believe will be needed.

I agree with Deputy Kerrane that men's sheds do wonderful work. I have visited many of them. They are great to visit because you get a good cup of tea and an update on what is happening in the area. I want to help them. We provide funding through the scheme to support national organisations, SSNO. This year, we gave the national men's sheds organisation additional funding. Distribution was very simple, with each men's shed getting €2,000, which was well received. Men's sheds have great benefits for communities in terms of people's mental health, providing an outlet for people who have retired and doing good work in communities. Last year, the men's sheds received a once-off payment. I support and value the work done by men's sheds. I will consider whether they need more funding as the year goes on. Men's sheds also receive money from the Department of Health and through our other scheme.

That said, we will not forget about them, put it that way.