In the first instance, I want to acknowledge the commitment of the Government to the local improvement scheme, LIS, which has made a real difference to the lives of rural dwellers since its reintroduction in 2017. This is a really important scheme for households, farmers and community amenities in the context of the maintenance and enhancement of access. The funding provided is not meeting the level of demand, however. Following a recent meeting with the area engineer in the Birr municipal district, Brian Keenaghan, I learned that there is a 12-year waiting list. These are applicants who will never benefit from public lighting or roads, but they need this. They are rural people who are willing to make a contribution and who are willing to pay in relation to this scheme. I ask that the Government to consider the provision of supplementary funding for areas where there are long waiting lists. A 12-year waiting list is simply unacceptable.

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