The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) was reintroduced in September 2017 and over €100 million has already been provided for works on over 3,700 roads. The additional funding announced today will bring that total to over €112 million.

Local authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners. The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/householders, as well as local authority resources.

Eligible Roads

Eligible roads under the Local Improvement Scheme are:

  • non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons.; or
  • non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, mountains, etc.

Non Eligible Roads

Non-eligible roads include:

  • roads serving only houses or buildings occupied or used by persons not engaged in agriculture, and
  • roads leading to commercial enterprises

Local contribution

The financial contribution provided by the household/landowner is set at:

  • 10% of the estimated cost for eligible roads with up to and including five households/landowners, and
  • 15% for those roads with six or more households/landowners.

The maximum amount that any household/landowner is required to contribute is capped at €1,200.