Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the level of funding provided for the local improvement scheme in 2026; if further consideration will be given to the provision of additional funding in 2026 for this scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38301/26]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrading of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was reintroduced by my Department in 2017, and since then over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities under the scheme.
In February, I announced details of the 2026 scheme and a €17.55 million budget, an increase on base funding on recent years. Cavan County Council received an allocation of €527,400, while Monaghan County Council has been allocated €385,880. This funding announcement brings the total allocated to Cavan County Council since 2017 to over €8 million. Monaghan has been allocated over €6.9 million over the same period.
While the Department provides funding, local authorities administer the scheme and are responsible for the selection and prioritisation of roads. This includes handling applications, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists. Local authorities decide if they work from existing lists or open the scheme to new applications each year.
My officials will work closely with all local authorities in 2026 to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme. As was the case in 2025, where a supplementary round of funding allocations was made during the year, I will also monitor wider departmental spend closely with a view to reallocating any savings which may emerge to schemes such as the LIS.
