Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
913. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to increase funding allocated to local authorities for local improvement schemes, given their important role in maintaining and repairing our local and rural road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52385/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme, or 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. Since then, funding of over €200 million has been allocated to local authorities, with over 5,500 roads improved under the scheme.
In February this year, I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme and confirm base funding of €17.55 million which represents an increase on the initial funding made available in previous years.
Tipperary County Council has received a 2026 allocation of over €1.1 million which brings the total allocated to the county to since 2017 to over €10.3 million.
My officials have engaged with local authorities who have submitted their priority road lists for 2026 and have now received approval to undertake works. I have directed that scheme spending be monitored closely to ensure that funding is fully utilised and that as many road improvements as possible are completed under the scheme this year.
As in previous years, I will closely monitor departmental spending to identify any savings for potential redistribution to schemes like the Local Improvement Scheme.
