Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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404. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the outcome of an investigation by her Department (details supplied); the findings of the investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47458/21]

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. 

The inspection referred to by the Deputy related to work undertaken on a road that was funded through the LIS. The inspection found that the road surface applied by the Local Authority was different from what the applicant understood would be provided. The finish provided by the Local Authority was that outlined in the Local Authority Engineer Inspection Report produced in advance of the works. My Department's inspection also noted that the length of the works undertaken was less than that originally envisaged in the Engineer Inspection Report.

It is a matter for the local authority to determine the appropriate finish on an LIS road, subject to the requirements set out in the LIS scheme outline. Nonetheless, I have asked my officials to contact the Local Authority to highlight the issues raised in the inspection report and to request that they engage directly with the applicant to explore solutions to the concerns raised.