Written Answers Nos. 391-410
391. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the difficulties in making contact with a service (details supplied), with repeated phone calls and emails from members of the public and public representatives going unanswered; the measures being taken to ensure this vital service is accessible and responsive to patients and their families in the southeast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56432/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
392. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health if there have been recent staffing or organisational changes within a service (details supplied) which will explain the recent lack of communication and responsiveness; if she will provide details of the current point of contact for public representatives and constituents seeking assistance with patient transport in the southeast region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56433/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
393. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health the governance and oversight arrangements in place for the HSE Patient Transport Service in the southeast; if she will ensure that there is a dedicated and accountable liaison point for public representatives to raise urgent cases where elderly or vulnerable patients require transport to hospital appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56434/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
394. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health the impact that recent communication failures within a service (details supplied) have had on patients awaiting hospital transport in the southeast; and the immediate steps being taken to ensure that no patient misses a hospital appointment due to the inability to reach the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
395. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will commit to reviewing the operation of the HSE patient transport service in the southeast with a view to improving response times, accessibility, and communication with the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56436/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
396. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the EU funding opportunities that will be open for application for schemes under her Department and at agencies under her aegis in the next six months and in the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56452/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Funding opportunities available to the Department of Health and its aegis Agencies from are available and can be searched from the EU Funding & Tender Portal: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home.
More details on EU funding opportunities are also available from the European Commission’s website at: https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes_en
For example, EU funding opportunities are currently or will be available within the next 6 to 12 months, under the following programmes:
EU4Health
EU4Health is the EU’s largest health programme, with a budget of €4.4 billion. It aims to build stronger, more resilient health systems across Europe.
2025 Work Programme Highlights
• Total Budget (2025): €555 million
• Key Focus Areas:
• Crisis Preparedness (€381M): CBRN threats, diagnostics for vector-borne diseases
• Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (€70M): Cancer, cardiovascular diseases
• Digital Health & AI (€39M): European Health Data Space (EHDS)
• Healthcare Workforce & Systems (€71M)
• Medical Devices & Regulation Implementation (€18.7M)
• Deadlines:
• Member States’ nominations for Joint Actions: 16 October 2025
• Member States’ nominations for Direct Grants: 20 November 2025
• Open (competitive) Calls: 4 December 2025
• Upcoming (competitive) Calls: 6 January 2026
The 2025 EU4Health Work programme is available from https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2025-eu4health-work-programme_en
2026 Work Programme
The orientations and priorities for the 2026 Work Programme are currently under discussion between the Commission and the Member States within the configurations of the EU4Health Steering Group and Programme Committee.
Horizon Europe - Cluster 1: Health (part of Pillar II – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness).
2025 Work Programme Highlights
• The Health Cluster budget: €480+ million in 2025.
• 2025 Strategic Themes
• Generative AI in clinical settings
• Smart medical technologies
• Mental health and ageing
• Climate-related health impacts
• Pandemic preparedness (HERA)
• Six Key Destinations
• Staying Healthy in a Rapidly Changing Society
• Living and Working in a Health-Promoting Environment
• Tackling Diseases and Reducing Disease Burden
• Ensuring Equal Access to High-Quality Healthcare
• Developing New Tools and Technologies
• Maintaining an Innovative Health Industry
The Open (competitive) call closed on 16 September 2025 and is currently undergoing evaluation. The list of the topics is available from https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/news/2025-horizon-europe-health-calls-proposals-2025-05-22_en.
2026 Work Programme
The orientations and priorities for the 2026 Work Programme are currently under discussion between the Commission and the Member States within the configurations of the Programme Committee.
Digital Europe Programme
The Digital Europe Programme supports EHDS and digital infrastructure for healthcare. On 09 October 2025, the European Commission published calls for projects to award EU funds worth a total of just over €204 million for projects boosting innovation in business digitalisation, digital skills, health, public and automotive sectors across Europe.
These calls include for example:
• Six Key Destinations
• a €22.5 million boost to support biomedical research and the roll out of personalised healthcare through the https://gdi.onemilliongenomes.eu/ (https://gdi.onemilliongenomes.eu/), and
• €14.4 million for the deployment of AI-based solutions in medical imaging.
•
More detailed information is available from: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/digital-programme
Other funds
Other funds available for the health sector include:
• European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) to support vulnerable groups in accessing healthcare (https://ec.europa.eu/european-social-fund-plus/en)
• European Regional and Development Fund to improve regional health infrastructure (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/erdf/)
• Union Civil Protection Mechanism/[rescEU] to create stockpiles for emergency medical supplies (https://ec.europa.eu/echo/what/civil-protection/mechanism_en)
• Connecting Europe Facility for creating the digital infrastructure needed for digital health (https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/connecting-europe-facility)
• Recovery and Resilience Facility (https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/recovery-coronavirus/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en)
• Emergency Support Instrument (https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/emergency-support-instrument_en).
397. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the breakdown, by location of each CR hub and its corresponding dedicated CR WTE allocation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56461/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
398. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a detailed list of hub sites and identify which locations are currently providing phase III CR (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56462/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
399. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who completed a full phase III CR programme during 2024 in the community hub CR setting (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56463/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
400. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current situation on the new SETU; the reason for the delay; when construction of the South East Technical University will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56460/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA proposal to develop a Wexford Campus is being progressed under my department’s Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund.
Over the last number of years, SETU have been working with Wexford County Council (WCC) to help identify an appropriate site for a permanent home for their Wexford Campus. As part of this engagement a preferred site was identified. However, following a lengthy negotiation process between WCC and the Vendor, agreement could not be reached on a price.
WCC are now progressing this acquisition by way of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) and discussions remain ongoing between the Vendor and WCC to agree the compensation sum. If agreement cannot be reached the matter may be referred by either party for arbitration to assess compensation. The next stage of the process is serving a “notice of entry” to enter on the lands, giving WCC the right to enter and take possession of the site.
SETU have also submitted a preliminary business case for the proposed infrastructure they would like to be delivered on the site. This business case will require to be considered in the context of the overall needs relating to learner demand and proposed campus faculties in the Wexford region. It is also worth noting that this business case cannot be finalised until the site has been secured as it is a key determinant in the assessment process.
As I have stated previously, I am committed to continue working with SETU and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that there is appropriate infrastructure in place for learners and staff in Wexford and surrounding regions.
401. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when his department WILL publish a renewed strategy to replace the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56316/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Action Plan was launched in 2021 with key goals for apprenticeship around growth, improving the profile of apprenticeship, improving access and supports for apprentices and employers, along with increasing the footprint of apprenticeship in the public service.
We have seen strong progress across these headings. Since 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, the total apprentice population has grown from 17,829 to 29,772 as of the end of 2024. This has been matched by an increase in investment from €142m in 2019 to the over €400m earmarked for apprenticeship in 2026.
There has been growth both in terms of new programmes and expansion of existing ones.
Earlier this year for example, I was pleased to welcome the first intake of apprentices on the new Digital Marketing Apprenticeship. All twelve of this intake are employed by government departments both equipping our communications teams for the fast-changing digital world and helping us reach the targets set out in the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan.
In the long-standing aircraft mechanic apprenticeship, and following engagement with industry, I was pleased to announce a major investment in training provision which almost doubled the number of places available from 79 in 2024 to 155 from this September.
I am committed to developing a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship to cover the period 2026-2030. The proposed Action Plan will seek to update current apprenticeship policy to reflect present and anticipated challenges posed within Ireland’s apprenticeship environment.
The development of the Action Plan, which is a Programme for Government commitment, will recognise priority government strategies such as the National Development Plan, Housing for All and the Climate Action Plan.
I will be launching a public consultation shortly to seek the views of all stakeholders on how the system can be improved, made more inclusive, and better aligned with national skills needs.
402. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science her Department’s plans to improve pathways for Senior cycle students into higher and further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of diverse and progressive pathways for learners in further and higher education outside of the traditional CAO route is a key strategic goal of DFHERIS. The development of tertiary programmes, Further Education & Training routes to higher education such as the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS), and supported part-time provision are some of the key areas which my department is focused on progressing.
Tertiary programmes, first launched in July 2023, are a new kind of educational provision which allows a student to begin a degree course in further education, before transitioning on to complete their degree in a higher education setting. As of Budget 2026, €4m per annum is allocated towards the development of tertiary programmes.
Entry to tertiary programmes is outside the CAO system, providing an alternate pathway to a degree for individuals who may not have received the requisite points for a course they are passionate about. The tertiary pathway also aims to increase access to higher education for those are excluded from the traditional pathway, particularly the priority access groups outlined in the National Access Plan.
In September 2023 the first intake of tertiary programmes commenced, with 152 students enrolled on 13 programmes. 2024 saw an increased intake with more than 220 students embarking on 19 degree programmes.
A total of 38 courses are running in the academic year 2025/26 including new courses in occupational therapy, nursing, social care and the creative arts.
My department is continuing to expand the Higher Education Links Scheme, which remains a key Further Education/Higher Education pathway. 14,093 students entered higher education with a further education award or equivalent in the academic year 2023/24, and 91% of higher education courses are now available through this route.
On the 1st August 2024, the details of a new part-time fee scheme for specified undergraduate courses was announced. This marked the first time any grant would be provided for part-time education under the Student Support Act 2011.
The scheme covers the fees of eligible part-time students attending specified undergraduate courses leading to a major award with a minimum average of 30 credits and maximum of 50 credits per academic year.
The part-time fee scheme was developed to provide support for more flexible forms of learning to students attending specified undergraduate courses who are considered underrepresented in Higher Education, in particular students who are socio-economically disadvantaged who may not be in a position to participate in full-time programmes.
In the 2024 Budget, €2 million per annum was secured to fund grants for approved students attending a part-time course eligible under this scheme. In the scheme’s first iteration, 62 part-time courses were included for the 2024/25 academic year. This number rose to 111 eligible courses for the 2025/26 academic year.
403. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a student work placement was withdrawn (details supplied) despite medical confirmation from their neurologist that the student is fit for placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56087/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department notes that the student in question was unable to undertake her preferred work placement, having been refused on medical grounds.
Under the Universities Act 1997, higher education institutions such as University College Cork operate with autonomy in the management of their academic, administrative and student affairs. This includes responsibility for addressing student concerns and complaints through their established internal processes. As such, neither the Department or the Minister is in a position to comment or intervene directly in such individual cases.
Students who wish to raise a concern are advised to try to resolve the issue with the university in the first instance. Complaints regarding higher education institutions should be addressed by following the internal procedures as set out by the institution in question. These procedures are available on the university website: www.ucc.ie/en/policiesandprocedures/
Should the student remain dissatisfied after exhausting the university’s internal procedures, it is open to them to refer the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman, which provides a free, independent and impartial service for reviewing complaints about public bodies.
The best way to contact the Ombudsman is by:
Clicking on the 'Make A Complaint' link at www.ombudsman.ie
Or writing to: Office of the Ombudsman, 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773
Or calling the Ombudsman on (01) 639 5600 if there are any queries or help is required in making the complaint.
404. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the projected number of shared bedroom student accommodation to commence construction over the lifetime of this Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56089/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt would not be appropriate for me to speculate on the projected number of shared-bedroom student accommodation developments that may commence construction during the lifetime of this Dáil. However, I can confirm that at the end of September, 1,637 beds were under construction nationwide. Planning permission has been granted for a further 15,132 beds, including 2,948 public beds.
Just last month, I announced the allocation of €67 million in State funding to enable UCD to enter contract for the delivery of 493 beds under my Department's Short-Term Activation Programme. I also officially opened Maynooth University’s 116-bed project.
Progress is also being made under the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme, which aims to assess proposals from the Sector for projects located on or near each of the main campus locations. Stage 1 of this programme involved the submission of strategic assessment documents, exploring a range of delivery models, including purpose-built student accommodation both on and off campus, leasing, joint ventures, and the repurposing of vacant properties. The second phase will focus on developing and evaluating preliminary business cases.
I will publish the new Student Accommodation Strategy (202-2035) later this year, which will prioritise increasing supply and enhancing affordability for students facing the greatest financial challenges.
405. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide the details of students accessing emergency accommodation at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year and the previous three academic years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56090/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudents in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply directly to their HEI for support under the Student Assistance Fund.
Latest figures show that almost €13 million was distributed to students from the Student Assistance Fund to assist with accommodation related costs in the 2023/24 academic year.
In relation to distribution of emergency accommodation in HEIs, I must advise that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. HEIs are academically independent and are entitled to regulate its own academic affairs and administrative processes including decisions in respect of emergency accommodation.
In advance for the 2024/ 2025 academic year, an additional €440,000 was approved to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) specifically for any student who may find themselves in difficulty arising from their housing situation.
This increased funding to the SAF is intended for assisting students in funding emergency accommodation. However, there will also be discretion to provide funding as per the SAF guidelines for other emergency needs such as transport costs where emergency accommodation is not available to the student.
In addition, all higher education institutions continue to support their students to find accommodation through, for example, the encouragement of room rental or ‘student digs’ in family homes. As of 3rd October, our higher education institutions have indicated there are over 5,200 beds available in digs accommodation nationally.
406. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline for reimbursement of overpaid student contribution fees to students and their families for 2025-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56091/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that I have secured funding in Budget 2026, to permanently reduce the Student Contribution charge by €500. This flat rate reduction will reduce the rate from €3,000 to €2,500 and applies from the current academic year (2025/26).
It is anticipated that this Budget 2026 measure will benefit around 108,000 undergraduate students and 14,000 apprentices, who will see up to a 17% pro-rata reduction.
The overall application of the reduction will be administered with the assistance of the relevant higher education institutions (HEIs). In this regard, my officials have written to the HEA in recent days to advise the authority of the Budget 2026 adjustment and of the requirement for the relevant higher education institutions to make the necessary changes to their financial systems.
There may be some instances where students have already paid the full €3,000 student contribution prior to the Budget 2026 announcement on October 7. Where such cases arise, higher education institutions have been requested to refund the excess amount as soon as practicable.
I have been advised that higher education institutions will communicate with their students directly on the overall process that will be in place in each institution.
407. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to deliver increased access to further and higher education for members of the Traveller community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56092/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring equal access to education for all is a core priority for this Government. The Traveller and Roma Education Strategy (TRES), a key action under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) 2024–2028, is supporting the delivery of our Programme for Government commitment to promote equality and inclusion for Traveller and Roma communities across all levels of education.
DFHERIS is centrally involved in implementing a range of actions across several interlinked strategies and programmes to improve access, participation, and progression in further and higher education for these communities.
Under the National Access Plan (NAP) 2022–2028, Travellers and Roma are identified as underrepresented in higher education. Current data shows 40 new entrant Traveller and Roma students in 2023/24, with a target of 150 by 2028. The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) supports this work across all strands, with PATH 5 solely focused on Traveller and Roma students. €450,000 per year is being invested under this strand, complemented by funding under PATH 2 and PATH 4 to support awareness-raising, anti-racism training, and progression initiatives.
In addition, the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme (TAIP) offers €3,000 bursaries to support Traveller participation in apprenticeships and €2,000 grants for employers who hire Traveller apprentices. DFHERIS also funds the Reach Fund, which supports over 700 community education projects annually, including culturally appropriate programmes for Traveller and Roma learners. SOLAS works closely with Pavee Point to promote Traveller and Roma participation in further education, allocating over €108,000 in 2025 for targeted engagement and support.
Literacy and lifelong learning remain key enablers of inclusion. The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy 2021–2031 prioritises Travellers and Roma among 12 key groups, with the goal of reducing unmet literacy needs from 18% to 7% by 2031.
Recognising that financial barriers can hinder access, DFHERIS has implemented a dedicated Student Accommodation Assistance Scheme for Traveller and Roma students, funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund. This provides up to €6,000 per student annually to help cover accommodation costs. To date, €412,000 has been allocated to support 85 students, 64 of whom are from Traveller and Roma backgrounds. Funding has again been secured for 2025/26.
Further measures to promote equity include the new SUSI Part-Time Fee Scheme, introduced in 2024, which enables students who cannot study full-time - including those from Traveller and Roma communities - to access fee support. Applications for 2025/26 have almost tripled, with 214 awards made to date.
Finally, the forthcoming Student Accommodation Strategy will address cost and supply issues to ensure that accommodation is no longer a barrier to accessing higher education.
Together, these initiatives reflect a coherent, cross-government approach to removing structural barriers and ensuring that Traveller and Roma students can fully realise their educational potential.
408. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for a more equitable lottery system with minimum points for CAO entry to third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56093/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CAO is an independent, non-profit private company. Its function is to process applications for undergraduate courses and some postgraduate courses on behalf of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The CAO plays an important role in ensuring applications to higher education are processed in a centralised, efficient and impartial way. Every year over 80% of CAO applicants receive an offer in their top three choices. However, I recognise that the 'points race', in particular for high-demand, high-points courses, can result in stress for young people.
My Department is making great efforts to expand the number of places available in high-demand, high-points courses, and to further develop alternative pathways to higher education to ease the pressure on students. Since 2022, we have created over 1,000 additional places in high demand areas like medicine, nursing, and allied health professions, and we have plans to expand further.
My Department is also continuing to work to diversify and expand pathways into and through third-level education. In May this year, my Department launched the third iteration oftheTertiary Degree Programmes. This sees the number of programmesdoublecompared to last yearto 39, with new courses launched this year in occupational therapy, nursing, social care, and the creative arts, among others. Applications for tertiary courses are open until late September and are outside of the CAO points system. Details on tertiary degree programmes are available on the National Tertiary Office’s website at nto.hea.ie/courses.
These tertiary degree pathways provide people with greater opportunities beyond the traditional CAO points system. They allow students to begin their studies in a Further Education and Training College and progress to a guaranteed place in a higher education institution to complete their degree.
Additionally,this Department hasworked tosignificantly expand apprenticeships, and there are now almost 80 different programmes available across a wide range of disciplines, with more in development.Details on these programmes can be found at www.apprenticeship.ie, while details on further education and training courses can be found at www.fetchcourses.ie.
Close to 30,000 people (based on 2024 enrolments) will be funded to start a course in a further education college – a valuable qualification in its own right, but also one which provides a route into higher education, with 90% of higher education institutions offering progression pathways from QQI qualifications. Thousands of people will also start an apprenticeship this year, not just in traditional trades but also in areas such as social care, advanced manufacturing engineering, and digital marketing.
Overall, my Department is focusing policy efforts on interventions which will expand the pathways to further and higher education for students, so that they can achieve their academic and career goals, and also to ease the pressure which many of them experience in making the transition from second level to tertiary education.
409. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the EU funding opportunities that will be open for application for schemes under his Department and at agencies under his aegis in the next six months and in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56451/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is designated as a programme country under the Erasmus+ programme. As part of the programme, each programme country must nominate a national authority to monitor and supervise the management of the programme at national level. Ireland’s nominated Erasmus+ national authority is based in my Department.
As national authority, my Department has designated the Higher Education Authority (HEA) as national agency for Erasmus+ in the field of higher education and Léargas as the national agency in the fields of education, youth and community work, vocational education and training.
The information within the scope of the Deputy’s question is held by the above national agencies. Contact details for these bodies are set out below, should the Deputy wish to contact theses national agencies directly with his query.
The contact e-mail for Léargas is oireachtas@leargas.ie and the designated officials for assisting Oireachtas members are Lorraine Gilligan and Damien Healy.
The contact e-mail for the HEA is Oireachtas@hea.ie and the designated official is Trevor Purtill.
410. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount allocated to Monaghan County Council under the local improvement scheme in 2025; and the amount ring-fenced for any specific category of works. [51819/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is a key support to rural communities in improving non-public rural roads and laneways that are not typically maintained by local authorities. Since its reintroduction in 2017, almost €184 million has been allocated to the Scheme.
On 7th August last, I was delighted to announce an additional €14 million in LIS funding, bringing the total invested in the Scheme in 2025 to €30 million. This is a record investment and reflects my commitment to ensure the Scheme will be supported into the future.
Monaghan’s original allocation for 2025 was €373,000 and, following the August 2025 additional allocation, it now has a full year allocation of €962,00 for 2025. The Council has advised the Department that it has selected 26 roads for improvements using this funding.
LIS funding is paid to local authorities once it is confirmed that all works have been completed. My officials work closely with local authorities during the year to support full drawdown and timely completion of projects.
While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is fully administered by local authorities who hold responsibility for selecting and prioritising roads. My Department has no role in this process.
Funding is allocated to local authorities on a county basis. Local authorities determine the type of works to be carried out in municipal districts and on individual roads, in line with guidance contained in the scheme outline. This scheme outline is issued to each local authority following the announcement of funding and is also published on the Department's web site. The only funding ring-fenced under the LIS is for works carried out on our island roads.
