Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the local improvement scheme to local authorities nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43043/19]

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 predominantly rural areas. The scheme is funded by my Department and administered through the Local Authorities. 

I announced funding of €10 million for Local Authorities across the country under the LIS in 2019. The list of projects which each of the Councils has selected for improvement works under the scheme are available on my Department’s website at: .

Over 1,700 roads have benefited from improvement works since I re-launched the LIS in 2017.  This is having a hugely positive impact for residents and landowners along those roads in terms of access to their premises and properties. 

There is a continuing demand for LIS funding in rural communities across Ireland and I intend to launch that a new round of LIS funding in 2020.  I also want to review the scheme to ensure that it operates as effectively as possible for the people who live along the roads and for the taxpayers who are funding the scheme.