James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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13. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if additional funding will be provided for the local improvement scheme. [22977/26]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Local Improvement Scheme (or the LIS) provides for the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. Since it was re-introduced by my Department in 2017 over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.

Last month, I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme with funding of €17.55 million. This is an increase on the initial base funding allocated in 2025 and is evidence of my commitment to ensuring the scheme remains well funded. Cork County Council received an allocation of almost €1.35 million, including €140,000 in ring fenced funding for LIS island roads.

My officials have engaged with all local authorities, who are in the process of preparing their lists of roads for repair under the scheme. Submissions will be closely monitored to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme.

As in previous years, I will monitor departmental spending closely over the coming months and if savings are identified, consider allocating additional funding to schemes such as the Local Improvement Scheme later in the year.