Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Collins. I would point out that since 2017 Cork county has received €12.9 million for the LIS. It is the third highest amount nationally. It is not the Department's role to select individual roads. That is a matter for each local authority. We are looking at local authorities on the waiting list and the individual expenditure by local authorities on the scheme. I want to make sure that we are getting value for the money we are investing in it and that we are getting consistency from local authority to local authority.

Certainly, I will be looking for additional resources. I am already engaging with the Minister, Deputy Chambers, about the national development plan, NDP, review and budget 2026 on that matter. We have also expanded the eligibility of the scheme in recent years so that is definitely adding to demand for it. That expansion was needed and was important for supporting local families. I assure the Deputy that Deputy Danny Healy-Rae and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, are working closely with me to secure additional funding for this.

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