Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 March 2026
529. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated to the local improvement scheme in County Galway in each of the past five years; the number of roads improved under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the upgrading of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. Since its re-introduction in 2017, over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities under this scheme.
Between 2020 - 2025, Galway County Council was allocated over €10 million in LIS funding and completed works on 246 roads. From 2023, this figure includes €976,000 in ringfenced funding for improvement works on LIS island roads. The following table sets out the funding allocations and number of roads completed between 2020 and 2025.
Table 1. Galway LIS 2020 - 2025
|
Year |
Allocation |
No. of Roads Completed |
|
2020 |
€856,959 |
30 |
|
2021 |
€1,580,871 |
49 |
|
2022 |
€1,682,841 |
50 |
|
2023 |
€1,994,259 |
39 |
|
2024 |
€1,814,965 |
27 |
|
2025 |
€2,116,616 |
51 |
I was pleased to launch the 2026 Local Improvement Scheme last month. An allocation of €17.55 million has been secured for this years scheme, with Galway County Council receiving an allocation of over €1.4 million, including €250,000 for works on LIS island roads.
My officials are engaging with local authorities who are in the process of preparing their lists of roads where works will be undertaken this year. This funding ensures continued investment in rural connectivity and is evidence of my continued commitment to supporting road infrastructure in rural Ireland.
