Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)

There are concerns among engineers in Kerry. One concern is that they had tender documents available for the bridge near Glenbeigh National School and between Ballinclare and Ballinasare on the Dingle road. Tender documents were available and all the work was done but suddenly the funding that was believed to be available was cut.

I also raise the issue of local improvement schemes, LIS. As far as I can tell, their funding has been slashed for 2025. I raised the matter with the Deputy's colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Calleary, in March but am still waiting for an answer. People from all over Kerry, including Listry, Asdee, Ballyconry and Dromod, have raised the issue. It seems there was kite-flying by local Government-supporting Ministers. It seems that funding has been slashed by 52%. When we received the figures, the allocation for 2024 and 2025 was €2.6 million, but the 2024 spend was €1.7 million. When we subtract one figure from the other, we are left with €821,000, which is a decrease in funding. Will the Minister confirm there was a decrease for LIS roads? What was the thinking behind that? Another version of events has been given to the people of Kerry.

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