John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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300. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the local improvement scheme will be open for applications in 2026; if so, when local authorities will be provided with the details of the 2026 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36261/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is a key support for rural communities in improving non-public roads and laneways that are not usually maintained by local authorities. Since its reintroduction in 2017, the government has provided almost €170 million to local authorities under the Scheme.

The Programme for Government commits to the provision of additional funding for the LIS. As the Deputy will be aware, discussions on funding allocations for the Department's schemes in 2026 are part of the annual estimates process and details will be announced as part of Budget 2026 later this year.

I am aware that local authorities are heavily involved in the delivery of LIS and other programmes and my Department endeavours to ensure that the launch of the Scheme is announced as early as possible to allow local authorities to plan and manage their resources so that as many roads as possible are included for upgrade under the Scheme each year. It is my intention that local authorities will be advised of the details of the 2026 Scheme following its launch in early 2026.

The LIS process is now well established within local authorities. The management of LIS has primarily resulted in the full utilisation of annual budgets over recent years. The Department will continue to review the operation of the scheme, considering ways to improve funding distribution and ensure the process remains fair and effective.