623. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to the allocation of additional funding for the local improvement scheme for Cavan and Monaghan in 2026, given the urgent need to reduce waiting times for such essential road improvement works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54675/26]

The Local Improvement Scheme funds the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways, which are usually not maintained by local authorities. My Department reinstated the Scheme in 2017, and it currently serves as a central element of the overall Rural Development Investment Programme.

The LIS scheme remains highly popular nationwide and, since 2017, more than €201 million has been allocated to local authorities, resulting in over 5,500 roads being improved under this program.

I was pleased to launch the 2026 Local Improvement in February, supported by increased funding of €17.55 million. Cavan County Council was allocated €527,400 within this overall funding, and Monaghan County Council received €385,880.

While the Department provides funding, local authorities administer the scheme and are responsible for the selection and prioritisation of roads. This includes handling applications, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists. Local authorities decide if they work from existing lists or open the scheme to new applications each year.

My officials have engaged with local authorities, who have submitted their priority road lists for 2026. All eligible authorities have been authorised to proceed with LIS works.

My officials will closely monitor scheme spending 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 seek to ensure, via the annual budgetary process, that this important scheme continues to be well funded in the years to come.