Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 95 and 105 together.

The three letters most feared by my officials are LIS. We are actively reviewing the LIS, looking to make it more effective and to deliver more consistently. It is a is a key support to rural communities in improving non-public rural roads and laneways that are not typically maintained by local authorities. We reintroduced the scheme in my Department since 2017 following years of no funding, and since then we have provided almost €170 million to local authorities across the State.

In April 2024, €40 million in funding was announced for LIS across eligible local authorities to cover the period 2024 to 2025. Under the 2024-25 allocation, Tipperary received €2.52 million, Monaghan received €938,000, while Cork County Council received €2.78 million.

Earlier this year, my officials began the 2025 LIS works approval process. Priority lists were approved for eligible local authorities. Sanction has been given to all local authorities to begin the 2025 LIS roads programme. To date, local authorities have indicated that 378 non-public roads and laneways will be repaired in 2025. Each year, my Department seeks to ensure the approval process is completed early in the year so that repair works can be carried out as efficiently as possible. However, I am very aware that there are delays and lists around the country. I am actively seeking extra funding in the context of the national development plan review. I am aware of the need for the scheme to be supported. Since 2017, Monaghan has been allocated almost €6 million, with 153 roads completed.

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