Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of private 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.

As the L2779 is a local road it comes under the responsibility of the local authority to maintain per the Roads Act 1993 and therefore would not be eligible under the LIS.

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is covered in legislation by the Local Government Act 2001, Section 81 part (3) provides that;

(3) A road authority may assist by way of the carrying out of works, a financial contribution or otherwise towards the construction or improvement of a non-public road which—

(a) Provides access to parcels of land of which at least two are owned or occupied by different persons or

(b) Provides access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons or

(c) Shall, in the opinion of the road authority, be used by the public

Eligible road projects under the Local Improvement Scheme are:

• Non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons; or
• Non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, mountains etc.

While my Department provides the funding, local authorities administer the scheme and are solely responsible for selecting and prioritising eligible roads.

€13.55 million has been allocated to the scheme in 2024. This represents an increase of €1 million from initial funding announced in 2023. Since 2017, almost €130 million in funding has been allocated to the LIS.

My Department is currently finalising the scheme details for the coming year and an announcement on the terms and conditions of the scheme is expected shortly.