Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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2755. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to consider amending the rules in regard to the local improvement scheme by allowing pothole repairs to be carried out to assist in prolonging the lifespan of these roads and make inroads into the local improvement scheme priority lists in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45418/25]

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.

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 Scheme outline, available on gov.ie, offers guidance to local authorities to provide for a broadly consistent approach by all local authorities whilst allowing authorities react to their own specific and local circumstances.

Given the strong demand nationally for the Scheme and the poor condition of some of the roads awaiting repair, the Department recommends that projects most requiring attention should be prioritised, and consideration should also be given to factors such as the condition of the road, the number of beneficiaries, the number of parcels of land served, accessibility issues, and estimated costs. Works carried out under the Scheme should not involve ordinary maintenance which the applicants could reasonably carry out themselves but should provide for essential works of a more substantial nature such as strengthening weak sections, rut filling, resurfacing etc. However, it is for local authorities to decide the level and standard of works carried out and manage applications based on local needs.

The terms of the Scheme are reviewed annually to ensure that it continues to delivers significant benefits across rural Ireland efficiently and effectively.

I recognise the importance of the works funded by the Scheme nationwide and some of the challenges faced by local authorities. This is why, on the 7th August last, I was delighted to announce an additional €14 million in LIS funding nationally, which brings the total allocated to LIS in 2025 alone to €30 million - a record investment in the Scheme.

Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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2756. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline the supports available for the establishment of a meals on wheels project in a large town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45949/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The main source of funding for Meals on Wheels providers is through the HSE Section 39 funding process and I would encourage any new service to engage with the HSE locally to explore potential funding options.

My Department also recognises the importance of Meals on Wheels throughout the country and has provided supports to Meals on Wheels groups through the CLÁR Programme and the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP).

The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects located in designated rural areas.

Measure 2 of the 2025 CLÁR programme includes a provision supporting the purchase of vehicles by Meals on Wheels organisations. In order to be eligible for funding for a vehicle under CLÁR, an applicant must demonstrate that over 80% of the area in which the service is provided is designated as a CLÁR areas. The 2025 CLÁR programme is now closed for applications and I look forward to announcing the successful projects later this year. The details of the 2026 scheme will be announced early next year.

The LEP provides small scale funding to community groups and organisations across Ireland, with a focus on areas of disadvantage. The fund is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees across the country, with support from their local authority. Meals on Wheels groups have been supported under the fund in recent years. The LEP 2025 is now closed for applications. Any further iterations of the fund will be considered in due course.

In addition to the above, a range of community focused facilities are funded under schemes administered by my Department such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community Centre Investment Fund and LEADER. I am aware that these facilities can in many instances be used by Meals on Wheels groups in delivering their very valuable services in their communities.