Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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662. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of local improvement schemes that are presently on the waiting list in each local authority; the value of such projects; the number of projects completed in each local authority in each year since 2016; the value of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33242/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The focus of the Local Improvement Scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities.

There was no funding for the Local Improvement Scheme for a number of years until it was relaunched in 2017. Since then, over €68 million  has been allocated to deliver the scheme on over 2,400 roads. The Scheme has benefited over 10,000 residents and landowners. I have indicated previously that I am actively exploring the potential to allocate further funding for the Local Improvement Scheme later this year, resources permitting.

My Department is not in a position to state the number of eligible LIS roads currently on waiting lists in Local Authorities. My Department does not collect such information on an ongoing basis as it is a matter for each Local Authority to prioritise and select roads for inclusion in the Scheme in any given year, subject to overall policy guidance and funding from my Department. My Department has previously requested an indication of the number of road applications with Local Authorities. However, further engagement with the Local Authorities would be required to arrive at a definitive position and it is likely that the position is quite fluid from year to year. 

Finally, as requested by the Deputy, I have set out in the following table a breakdown, by county, of the number of roads completed in each year and the total funding provided for these roads. This refers to the funding provided from 2017-2020; it does not incorporate the €10.5 million provided in 2021 as this is currently being delivered at Local Authority level. 

Number of LIS Roads Upgraded 2017-2020 Amt. of Funding