Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity, which I view as an important issue for rural Ireland, whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.

The Local Improvement Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.

I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this year with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an addition €0.55 million for improvement works on our off shore Islands. This is the third consecutive year in which the basic allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme has been increased. I also announced the allocations for 2023 earlier than was the case in 2022 in order to give local authorities the most time possible to complete works on the ground.

Conscious of the level of interest in the scheme, I have previously corresponded on a number of occasions with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, regarding the potential for his Department to contribute jointly to the funding of the Local Improvement Scheme which would demonstrate a strong and coherent commitment across Government to supporting rural dwellers.

I am continuing to review expenditure patterns in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to allocating additional funding to the Local Improvement Scheme. Indeed I have recently asked local authorities to advise as to what additional roads they could deliver this year, should funding become available.