The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) improves non-public rural roads and laneways not usually maintained by local authorities. Since its establishment in 2017, the Government has provided almost €170 million to local authorities under the scheme.
In April 2024, €40 million in funding was announced for LIS across eligible local authorities to cover 2024/2025. This figure included its 2024/2025 allocation of €3.09 million to Galway County Council.
While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is administered by local authorities, who are responsible for selecting and prioritising roads for works under the scheme and managing waiting lists of eligible roadways.
Demand is strong for this scheme nationally which has seen base funding increased annually since 2021. The Programme for Government commits to supporting rural communities, including increasing funding under the Local Improvement Scheme. My Department is engaging with the ongoing review of the National Development Plan to increase the capital allocations for schemes such as the Local Improvement Scheme.
I will also continue to monitor capital expenditure across my Department as the year progresses, with the potential to utilise any savings that may arise elsewhere for schemes such as the Local Improvement Scheme.
