Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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851. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being taken to address the backlog in local improvement scheme applications for Cork County; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29774/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Local Improvement Scheme supports the improving rural roads and laneways not usually 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 was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2024 my Department has allocated almost €170 million to local authorities under the Scheme. This has upgraded, up to the end of 2023, over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes which has benefitted almost 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.

From 2017 to 2023, €10.1 million was allocated to Cork to fund works carried out on over 200 roads. This is the third-highest allocation nationally. For 2024/25, over €2.5 million has been earmarked for Cork with funding being provided over 2 years to assist local authorities in planning the efficient and effective delivery of works under the Scheme.

I have ensured that the base funding for the scheme has increased year on year in recent years. I have also prioritised the scheme for additional funding, where savings have emerged in my Department as the year has progressed.

The selection of roads to be funded under the scheme is a matter for each local authority based on the priority or condition of particular roads in their county. Local authorities may rely on existing lists of eligible roads and/or advertise for new applicant roads. I am aware, however, that there is high demand under the scheme despite progress made in recent years. My officials continue to liaise closely with local authorities to ensure funds are utilised fully. I have also for some time been engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, regarding his Department's potential contribution to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme.