Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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170. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated for local improvement schemes within the local authorities in the upcoming year, 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52029/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Local Improvements Scheme provided funding for road and laneways that councils' have not taken in charge.  However, the maintenance and improvement of these roads is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner.    As indicated to all local authorities in January 2013, the local improvement scheme was reinstated but with no separate allocation for this grant category.  Under the new arrangements in 2013 local authorities may use up to 7% of their Discretionary Grant towards local improvement schemes should they wish to do so.  The local contribution for these schemes has been increased to 20% of the total cost of the project.  Apart from this amendment the same eligibility rules apply for these schemes.  Furthermore, it is open to local authorities to supplement the 7% of their Discretionary Grant that they can use for the local improvement schemes with their own resources if they so wish. Details of the 2014 regional and local roads grants will be communicated to local authorities early in the new year.