Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Collins. The local improvement scheme is a vital support for rural communities to improve non-public rural roads and local laneways. Since 2017 almost €170 million has been provided by the Government to local authorities under the scheme. I will repeat that figure of €170 million. In April 2024 €40 million in funding was announced for the LIS for all local authorities for 2024 and 2025, with €2.87 million allocated to Cork County Council. While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is administered by the local authorities which have responsibility for selecting and prioritising roads. It is absolutely clear to me, locally and as Minister, that there is strong demand for the scheme. However, progress has been made, with more than 5,500 road improvements being completed under the scheme to date. Significant numbers apply for support, which is why base funding for the LIS has increased year on year since 2021.

The programme for Government commits to supporting rural communities, including a commitment to increase funding under the scheme. I am working with the Minister for public expenditure, Deputy Chambers, to ensure we have funding in place not only to continue the scheme but also to address the backlog that Deputy Collins has referred to. We are engaging with the ongoing review of the national development plan, and within the Department I am monitoring capital expenditure as the year progresses to ensure any savings arising under our capital budget and in other schemes can be reassigned to the LIS. I absolutely know and understand its value. I appreciate its value. It is very important to local families and local people. It will certainly be a priority scheme for me during my time in the Department.

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