Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
24. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the planned 2026 funding allocation for the local improvement scheme (LIS) in counties Sligo and Leitrim; if he will provide additional supports to local authorities with significant LIS backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8244/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if the local improvement scheme will open for applications this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8630/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will urgently increase funding allocations to local authorities for the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8198/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the planned 2026 funding allocation for the local improvement scheme; if additional supports will be provided to local authorities with significant backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8277/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 38, 49 and 52 together.
The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the enhancement of non-public rural roads and laneways that are not under the maintenance of local authorities. This scheme was reinstated by my Department in 2017, and since that time, approximately €184 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.
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 represents an increase in the Scheme's baseline allocation compared to previous years and recognises the strong demand nationally for this scheme.
Since 2017, Sligo County Council has been allocated a total of €4.82 million in LIS funding. This figure also includes €10k allocated to Sligo in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 which is ring-fenced funding for LIS works on Island roads. Leitrim County Council has been allocated a total of €5.75 million in LIS funding during the same period.
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. My Department works closely with local authorities to ensure funding is fully utilised where possible and that as many roads as possible are completed. It should be noted that many factors affect the ability of local authorities to complete works including resources and capacity and the varying conditions of the roads awaiting repair under the scheme.
My officials are currently finalising the details of this year's scheme. Once finalised, details regarding the 2026 scheme, including county allocations and the scheme outline, will be disseminated to local authorities and published over the coming weeks on my department's website.
