Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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289. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the outcome of a review (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23759/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities and represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural communities. As part of 'Our Rural Future',the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme is funded into the future. The selection of LIS roads is a matter for the relevant local authority. The roads to be completed in a given year are included in a priority list of roads provided to my Department.

As noted in my previous reply in respect of the matter raised by the Deputy, my officials requested a written report from the relevant local authority in respect of the road in question. The material received referenced a number of engineering constraints linked to the proposed works.

Following the commitment I gave to have this matter reviewed, my Department identified that the local contributors requested to raise the road so that tidal flooding would no longer take place. However due to the road being in a Special Protection Area (SPA) these works would require SPA screening. These works would also necessitate procuring an ecologist and a significant time lapse would ensue preventing the works commencing before applying for a foreshore licence which could take a year to obtain. In addition, raising the road to such an extent would necessitate a safety barrier to prevent people driving off the road. The local authority has confirmed that this would require additional resources and the Local Improvement Scheme does not grant aid such expenditure.

It was agreed with the applicants that a regular overlay would be applied to the road and these works could go ahead without the need for SPA screening.

I have asked my officials to provide a copy of the report to the Deputy