Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
1142. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount each local authority is receiving in local improvement scheme funding, by county; the kilometres being covered under this funding; and the number of applications that have been received by each local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14938/26]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was re-introduced by my Department in 2017. Since then, almost €184 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.
While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is managed by local authorities, which are responsible for selecting and prioritising roads. This includes receiving and processing applications, prioritising eligible roads, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists. Local authorities have the discretion to accept new applications to the scheme or to rely on historical waiting lists when prioritising roads for repair.
The Programme for Government commits to providing additional funding for the LIS. €17 million in LIS funding was secured as part of Budget 2026. This marks an increase in the Scheme's base allocation for 2026 compared to previous years. Details of the road works undertaken using this funding will be confirmed at year end 2026 after local authorities approve applications and undertake works.
In 2025, funding for LIS was provided in two tranches. This saw €16.55m in base funding provided to local authorities in a first tranche and a further €14m provided in July of 2025. The table attached provides the funding allocations made to each local authority in 2025, the road repairs undertaken for this funding expressed in meters squared and the number of applications each local authority indicated it had on hand at end 2025. It should be noted, that the level and cost of works delivered is impacted by factors such as geographic location, topography, and the varying condition of roads on the ground.
It is my intention that the details of the 2026 scheme will be announced imminently. This will include confirmation of local authority funding allocations. This information will be circulated to local authorities and published on the Department's website.
