The 2024/2025 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas. The Scheme is funded under “Our Rural Future”, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, which specifically prioritises the growing outdoor activity tourism sector as part of a long-term vision for a vibrant and sustainable rural Ireland.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2024/2025 is closed for applications.
The National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, launched in November 2022, is set to shaping the strategic direction of outdoor recreation in Ireland. The Strategy aims to increase the number of people active in the outdoors, especially young people and under-represented groups, and to foster a greater understanding of how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
It also aims to protect our landscapes, habitats and built heritage and provides guidance on the process and practices for developing outdoor recreation infrastructure in a sustainable fashion. It is essential that all expressions of interest submitted under ORIS are consistent with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, available to view here.
Projects typically funded by ORIS include walkways, cycleways, blueways, water and cycle trails, bridleways, as well as open water amenities at bogs, rivers and lakes. Water based projects located within rural town/village environs are also eligible.
Projects in relation to activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, showjumping) or motorised activities (such as quads/scramblers) are not eligible for funding under ORIS. Please refer to page 17 of the Scheme Outline for a list of ineligible Projects/Costs.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are being sought for all Measures as outlined below;
- Project Development Measure: Development Costs for Strategic Large Scale Projects with a maximum grant up to €50,000. A maximum of two EOIs can be shortlisted for onward submission of applications to the Department of Rural and Community Development. EOIs opening on Monday 11 November and closing date for receipt of completed EOIs is 12 noon, Monday 16 December 2024
- Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing with a maximum grant up to €40,000. A maximum of six EOIs can be shortlisted for onward submission of applications to the Department of Rural and Community Development. EOIs opening on Monday 11 November and closing date for receipt of completed EOIs is 12 noon, Monday 16 December 2024
- Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development with a maximum grant up to €200,000. A maximum of three EOIs can be shortlisted for onward submission of applications to the Department of Rural and Community Development. EOIs opening on Monday 18 November and closing date for receipt of completed EOIs is 12 noon, Friday 31 January
- Measure 3: Strategic Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development with a maximum grant up to €500,000. A maximum of one EOI can be shortlisted for onward submission of applications to the Department of Rural and Community Development. EOIs opening on Monday 18 November and closing date for receipt of completed EOIs is 12 noon, Friday 31 January
