No plans to open Leitrim Local Improvement Scheme anytime soon

Cllr Padraig Fallon asked when can councillors expect the Local Improvement Scheme to reopen with a report by the Roads office saying it "is not planned to reopen the LIS scheme in the immediate future as there are approximately 160 applications on the current waiting list."

Cllr Fallon said that he was "disappointed with the reply" and said there were "a number of individuals who failed to get into that scheme the last time for issues around the criteria which they would have been addressed since, in the most recent announcement."

He said that these individuals are feeling "aggrieved".

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys announced that she was amending the LIS criteria so that only one herd number will be required for a valid LIS application. Up to now, two herd numbers were required to be using the lane. 

He said he noted the local authority is still awaiting clarification "around some of what was announced."  

Cllr Fallon "implored the local authority to seriously reconsider opening the scheme; it's a great scheme and much needed and has a lot of demand."

Cllr Felim Gurn seconded the motion with Cllr Mary Bohan stating that a "once-off payment is needed from the department to try and clear the backlog."

Cathaoirleach Cllr Justin Warnock commented that Leitrim is "probably one of the only counties with such a list and we need funds to get a grip on that list."

Cllr Fallon said that the department needed to be "reminded of the inflation in the areas that are required. We know, particularly over the last few years, these monies are not doing what they normally would have in terms of these types of works in particular."

Cllr Frank Dolan said the real problem is that "the scheme isn't funded nearly enough.  The costs of the scheme have exploded and the one beside me is somewhere in the region of €180,000." 

He added that he recalled "the council doing up to 60 schemes in the year and in the last number of years we're doing less than ten. That's why we have 160 on the list."

Cllr Sean McDemott said the scheme was a "great piece of work done because you get your lane tarred up to your house; it's fantastic."