Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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555. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the local improvement scheme has officially been reinstated basis; if it will be on a yearly basis; the funding that can be expected for this scheme in 2018 in counties Cavan, Meath and Monaghan; if the funding will be ring-fenced to the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41287/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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On 21st September, I announced the provision of €10 million for a Local Improvement Scheme.  This is a nation-wide scheme which supports improvement works on private and non-public roads.

My Department wrote to Local Authorities in August to establish the level of demand for an LIS scheme this year. The Local Authorities were advised that any requests for funds would be subject to their capacity to complete any proposed works in 2017, and funding availability.

Within the budget available for 2017, it was not possible to fully support the level of demand which the Local Authorities stated they could deliver in 2017.  However, all eligible Local Authorities received a minimum of €250,000, with the exception of three Authorities who requested less than that amount.  Co. Cavan was allocated €295,000, Co. Meath was allocated €359,000 and Co. Monaghan was allocated €250,000.  The allocations had regard to the geographical area of the counties and the level of demand indicated by the Local Authorities.

The level of funding available for the LIS scheme in 2018 will be considered in the context of the 2018 Budget and Estimates process.