Agenda item

Motion from Councillor Padraig Fallon - LIS

I propose that this Local authority open/accept applications for the Local Improvement Scheme. Additional applications have not been taken or added to the list for a number of years now.

Minutes:

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Padraig Fallon;

 

"I propose that this Local authority open/accept applications for the Local Improvement Scheme. Additional applications have not been taken or added to the list for a number of years now."

 

Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation.

 

"The Councils focus in on the delivery of schemes to the significant waiting list in place. When funding became available through the Department of Rural and Community Development in 2017 there was 205 schemes on the list.  Through the allocations received annually since 2017 up to and including 2020 coupled with some schemes dropping of the list there remains 110 schemes on the list. It must also be borne in mind that in the years 2017 and 2018 funding allocations were received twice each year, but this has not been the case since.

 

Given the significant number remaining on the waiting list and the expected period of time to deliver these schemes based on current progress (equivalent to region of 5 plus years allocations) is it not appropriate to reopen for applications. Furthermore, as the Members are aware from previous discussions before the scheme will be reopened in the future the Council must put in place an updated scheme based on a priority needs assessment process to establish the position on the waiting list.  It is planned to recommence work on drafting the updated scheme later this year."

 

 

Councillor Padraig Fallon gave the background to his motion and said more applicants on the Local Improvement Scheme list will demonstrate demand and boost the Council’s  case for funding.  He expressed his disappointment with the reply received.

 

Councillor Sean McGowan said he was very disappointed that the Department of Transport is not matching  funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.  The funding being provided allows for the completion of 10-15 Local Improvement Schemes per year, which is not sufficient.

 

Councillor Enda McGloin said he didn’t agree with adding more applications to the list as some applicants are on the LIS list for up to 14 years.  He proposed that a deputation meet with Minister Hildegarde Naughton Minister of State at the Department of Transport on this issue.

 

Councillor Brendan Barry supported the motion and said match funding should be provided by the Department of Transport.

 

Councillor Caillian Ellis outlined that here was no point in putting a person down on a list and having to wait 14 years and that pressure needed to be placed on getting funding to deal with the list.

 

Councillor Justin Warnock outlined that more funding is required.

 

Councillor Sean McDermott said sometime in the future the scheme will have to be opened up and this needs to be dealt with.

 

Councillor Padraig Fallon thanked the members for the open and frank discussion and for their view.  Councillor Fallon said anybody looking to avail of this scheme are aware that there is a possibility of waiting for a decade. Councillor Fallon acknowledged the previous efforts made by the former  Minister, Michael Ring in this regard.

 

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said that it has been recorded in the national print media that County Leitrim gets the lowest funding allocation for LIS Schemes in Ireland.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke noted there is not the same dependency on local rural roads in other counties as there is in Leitrim giving the size of land holdings in this county. He added that a special case should be made to the Department of Transport for additional funding in this regard.

 

Mr Joseph Gilhooly outlined that  every opportunity is being made to seek additional funding for LIS and there is no need to have additional applicants on the LIS list to show demand exists.  Mr Gilhooly said €4 million is needed to deal with all applications currently on the list.  Mr Gilhooly said the executive would gladly explore if Leitrim can obtain a greater level of funding from the national resources available. He advised that a priority-based LIS scheme should be put in place before the scheme is  re-opened. Once the existing list is cleared, chronological order should no longer be used for future applicants.