Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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37. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the local improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24197/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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 which are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities. 

As the Deputy will be aware, there was no dedicated funding available for this scheme for a number of years until it was re-launched in 2017.  Since then, over €58 million has been allocated to the Local Authorities to deliver the scheme.

In March this year, €10 million was made available for the 2020 Local Improvement Scheme, with each Local Authority being provided with the same financial allocation as 2019.

All Local Authorities have now determined the roads to be funded under the scheme this year. My Department has reviewed the information supplied and funding letters of offer have issued to all Local Authorities on this basis.

I understand that works are ongoing and I expect all roads designated by the Local Authorities to be completed by the end of the year.