77. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications for the local improvement scheme in Donegal since 2020; the number of outstanding local improvement scheme roads in Donegal; if he will allocate a major increase in local improvement scheme funding for the Glenties and Inishowen municipal districts given the demand; whether he will review the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14862/25]

Sentiment score: 0.32

I would be grateful if the Minister could outline the number of applications for the local improvement scheme, LIS, in Donegal since 2020, and the number of outstanding LIS roads in Donegal. I would also like to know whether he will allocate a major increase in LIS funding to the Glenties and Inishowen municipal districts because an increase in funding for the roads in these areas is desperately needed. Will he also look at reviewing the local improvement scheme during his term?

Sentiment score: 0.63

If the Minister of State has been to Donegal, he will know many of our rural roads are in an awful state and in urgent need of upgrading, particularly around the Glenties and Inishowen areas. These are the most deprived areas. They are rural areas. The LIS as it currently stands is wholly inadequate for us as there is a need to address the infrastructural differences between rural and urban Donegal. There are hundreds of people in my constituency who have been waiting on the LIS list for years and it seems many of them are unlikely to see their roads addressed under the current scheme. I welcome the scheme. It was extended last year and more families can qualify for the scheme but it is pointless if they cannot access it as it is currently set up. We need to ensure people can access their homes and farms safely. Without effective infrastructure, rural and Gaeltacht communities, particularly those in my area, are dying. Without these roads and people helping in the communities by fixing these roads, we will end up with people having to move to urban centres and leave rural Ireland.

Sentiment score: -0.02

I understand this but the LIS funding allocated to Donegal must increase and be prioritised because of what is going on in the west of Donegal, Gaeltacht areas and north Inishowen, in particular. Councillors out there are constantly looking for funding. There are roads that have not been touched for years. If a plan was put in place for the LIS roads in north Inishowen and west Donegal, it would effectively help rural communities. During his term, will the Minister of State consider increasing the funding for LIS in Donegal, if he can?

Sentiment score: 0.23

Yes.

Sentiment score: 0.40