Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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431. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding will be provided to the local improvement scheme, LIS, to local authorities particularly in counties Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon and Donegal; the number of rural roads that have received funding under the LIS in each of the years 2016 to 2018, by the local authority in tabular form; the projected number of road projects to be completed in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22395/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities.

There was no dedicated funding available for this scheme for a number of years due to constraints on public expenditure. However, I was very conscious of the underlying demand for the scheme in rural areas throughout the country and I re-launched the scheme in 2017. Since then, €48 million has been allocated for LIS road improvements.

The following table outlines the number of LIS road projects completed in 2017 and those completed under the 2018 LIS scheme to date, by Local Authority. Final figures in respect of 2018 will not be available until final returns have been submitted to my Department by all Local Authorities. However, it is anticipated that approximately 250 additional roads will be completed under the 2018 scheme.

I launched the 2019 LIS on 7th February last and allocated a sum of €10 million to Local Authorities under the scheme. This included €250,000 for Leitrim, €256,154 for Sligo, €355,104 for Roscommon, and €677,456 for Donegal. The number and location of roads to benefit from improvement works in 2019 will be a matter for the relevant Local Authority.

I will be closely monitoring expenditure under the scheme over the coming months, and will make decisions regarding any future funding in due course.