Our Rural Future: Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme Funding 2021

Established in 2016, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. This scheme helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles. It supports the economic and tourism potential of the area for both local communities and tourist visitors alike.

The major investment, under ORIS will see the development of 66 natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, swimming and cycling.

For the first time under the scheme, funding is also being provided to progress 18 outdoor recreational projects that are at an early stage of development.

The investment – a key part of Our Rural Future – will support rural economies and make Rural Ireland a more attractive destination for adventure tourism.

The projects chosen for investment include walking and cycling trails, cliffways, beaches, lakes, rivers, bogs, greenways, blueways and bridleways.

The aim of this scheme is to fund:

• development, extensions and repair of trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways
• improved access to leisure or recreational facilities
• development of outdoor recreational infrastructure

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding as follows:

• Measure 1: Small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing (up to €20,000 grant available)
• Measure 2: Medium scale upgrade and new trail/amenity development (up to €200,000 grant available)
• Measure 3: Large scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development (up to €500,000 grant available).
• Project Development Measure: Development costs for strategic large scale Measure 2 or Measure 3 type projects e.g. detailed design, preparation for the planning and/or procurement, appropriate assessment etc. (up to €50,000 grant available).

Funding of up to 90% of the total approved project costs is awarded, with the additional 10% to be provided from other sources.

All projects successfully approved under the 2021 Scheme have now been announced - Approved Funding for Outdoor Recreation Projects