The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) supports the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside 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 National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, launched in November 2022, is set to shape the future of outdoor recreation over the next five years. 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 is essential that all expressions of interest submitted under ORIS are consistent with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, available to view here.
The type of projects typically funded by ORIS include trails, cycleways, blueways, bridleways, as well as outdoor amenities located near rivers, lakes, beaches and on upland areas.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are being sought for all Measures as outlined below;
- Project Development Measure: Feasibility / Development costs for strategic large scale Measure 2 or Measure 3 type projects with a maximum grant up to €50,000 e.g. detailed design, preparation for the planning and/or procurement, appropriate assessment screening etc. Closing Date for receipt of completed EOIs is 12 noon, Friday 14th July
- Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing with a maximum grant up to €30,000. A maximum of seven EOIs can be shortlisted for onward submission of applications to the Department of Rural and Community Development. EOIs opening on 21st June and closing date for receipt of completed EOIs is 12 noon, Monday 24th July
- Measure 2: Medium scale 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 21st June and closing date for receipt of completed EOIs is 12 noon, Monday 24th July
- Measure 3: 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 21st June and closing date for receipt of completed EOIs is 12 noon, Monday 24th July
How to apply
Expressions of interest, for the relevant Measure, can be submitted online at the following link
- Please review the Scheme Outline in full for all information, including planning permission, appropriate assessment screening, written consent etc…, available to view here.
- In respect of Measures 1, 2 and 3, Planning Permission and Appropriate Assessment Screening (where required) must be in place for an EOI to be considered for shortlisting for onward submission of an application to the Department.
- It is essential that all expressions of interest submitted under ORIS are consistent with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, available to view here.
- All questions on the form must be answered and supporting documentation uploaded where specified.
- Any queries can be directed by email to oris@limerick.ie or by phone to 061-557116
It is also important that EOIs submitted demonstrate adherence to best practice as per the guidelines and toolkits, where relevant to the expression of interest being submitted.
- Trail Development - Sport Ireland, available here
- Blueways Ireland – Blueway Management & Development Guide, available here
- Helping the Hills – Guiding Principles for the Management of Path Erosion in Upland Areas, available here
- The Great Outdoors Resources – Accessibility-Active Disability Ireland, available here
- Leave No Trace Resources, available here
- Fáilte Ireland – Greenway Visitor Experience and Interpretation Toolkit, available here
- Nature-based Solutions to the Management of Rainwater and Surface Water Runoff in Urban Areas, available here
CLOSING DATES WILL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO
