John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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375. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on the local improvement scheme; when funding allocations will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55926/25]

John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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376. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on the local improvement scheme, and details of any conditions that are being considered to ensure counties reduce application wait times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55927/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 376 together.

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,almost €184 million has been provided to local authorities under the Scheme.

On 7th August last, I was delighted to announce €14 million in additional funding for the 2025 scheme. This brings the total amount invested in LIS in 2025 alone to €30 million. Funding is paid to local authorities once it has been confirmed that works have been completed within the calendar year. Final figures on the 2025 scheme will be available in December once all payments have been made.

While my department provides funding for the scheme, it is administered by local authorities. They are responsible for the management of waiting lists, scheme applications and determining the eligibility of roads. My officials have engaged closely with local authorities to ensure LIS funding is fully utilised.

The Programme for Government commits to the provision of additional funding for the LIS. As the Deputy will be aware, €17 million in LIS funding was recently announced as part of Budget 2026. This represents an increase in base funding announced in previous years.

LIS is reviewed annually to ensure it is managed as fairly and efficiently as possible, with the aim of upgrading as many private roads as possible.

My department will aim to launch the 2026 Scheme as early as possible next year. This will allow local authorities to plan and manage their resources in an effective manner. Details of the 2026 scheme, including county allocations will be circulated to local authorities once finalised.