Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
66. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total amount of funding allocated to local improvement schemes in 2026; the number of local improvement schemes that are on the list for funding with Mayo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15652/26]
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 and since then, 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. I can confirm that Mayo County Council has been allocated €1.2 million, including €50,000 in ringfenced funding for works on LIS island roads. This is an increase on the initial base funding allocated in 2025. This funding announcement brings the total allocated to Mayo County Council since 2017 to €12.58 million.
While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is managed by local authorities, which are responsible for selecting and prioritising roads. This includes handling applications, prioritising eligible roads, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists. At year-end 2025, Mayo County Council indicated 330 roads requests for repair under the scheme.
My officials have engaged with all local authorities who are in the process of preparing their lists of roads for completion in 2026. The scheme will be closely monitored to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme.
