Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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410. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount allocated to Monaghan County Council under the local improvement scheme in 2025; and the amount ring-fenced for any specific category of works. [51819/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Local Improvement Scheme (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 its reintroduction in 2017, almost €184 million has been allocated to the Scheme.

On 7th August last, I was delighted to announce an additional €14 million in LIS funding, bringing the total invested in the Scheme in 2025 to €30 million. This is a record investment and reflects my commitment to ensure the Scheme will be supported into the future.

Monaghan’s original allocation for 2025 was €373,000 and, following the August 2025 additional allocation, it now has a full year allocation of €962,00 for 2025. The Council has advised the Department that it has selected 26 roads for improvements using this funding.

LIS funding is paid to local authorities once it is confirmed that all works have been completed. My officials work closely with local authorities during the year to support full drawdown and timely completion of projects.

While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is fully administered by local authorities who hold responsibility for selecting and prioritising roads. My Department has no role in this process.

Funding is allocated to local authorities on a county basis. Local authorities determine the type of works to be carried out in municipal districts and on individual roads, in line with guidance contained in the scheme outline. This scheme outline is issued to each local authority following the announcement of funding and is also published on the Department's web site. The only funding ring-fenced under the LIS is for works carried out on our island roads.