Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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3466. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures being taken to address the backlog in local improvement scheme applications for the mid-Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42419/25]

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

In April 2024, €40 million in funding was announced for LIS to cover the period from 2024 to 2025. LIS funding is allocated to local authorities on a county basis, rather than by municipal district. Under the 2024/2025 allocation, Cork County Council received €2.78 million.

While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is delivered by local authorities who hold responsibility for selecting and prioritising roads. This includes managing applications, prioritising eligible roads, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists. Local authorities determine whether they work from existing applications or open the Scheme to new applications.

The Department also keeps the operation of the scheme under ongoing review, considering ways to improve funding distribution and ensure the process remains fair and effective. My Department officials liaise closely with local authorities to ensure as many roads as possible are sanctioned for works to commence each year.

The Programme for Government commits to supporting rural communities, including increasing funding under the Local Improvement Scheme. As in previous years, I will continue to monitor capital expenditure across my Department as the year progresses. Should any savings emerge in the coming weeks, there is potential to utilise such savings for schemes such as the LIS, which would enable additional works to be carried out before the end of the year. To this end, my Department officials have already engaged with local authorities to ascertain what level of additional work could be carried out in the coming months should additional funding be approved.