Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
488. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to significantly increase the funding allocation for local improvement schemes (private roads), to allow local authorities such as Kerry County Council to clear priority lists that include hundreds of roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52529/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme 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 I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme with overall funding of €17.55 million. Kerry County Council has been allocated €1.13 million, an increase on the initial base funding allocated in 2025. This funding announcement brings the total allocated to Kerry County Council since 2017 to almost €12.7 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.
I will also closely monitor spend across the Department in the coming months with a view to redistributing any savings that emerge to schemes such as the Local Improvement Scheme.
