Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am currently considering the LIS scheme, along with all of my schemes. I receive much criticism of the LIS scheme from certain sections of the Dublin-based media, but they will never have to worry about an LIS road or look for private funding because Dublin City Council, Dublin County Council or whatever the case may be will address the matter for them. As the Deputy knows, people in rural areas pay their taxes, such as for property, and their dues to the State, and they are entitled to have a road into their home. As a result of the Deputy's question, I will consider the matter further.

The LIS scheme works and there is high demand for it. I wish there was more money but I also would like other Departments to match some of the funding because every €10 million that I allocate for the roads is €10 million worth of roads that does not have to be allocated the following year. In fairness, some counties have done well. I recently saw reported in one of the local papers, perhaps from Westmeath, that if the town received another €2 million or €3 million, it would be able to complete all of its LIS roads.

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