The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) supports the provision of outdoor infrastructure that is, in the main, freely available to the public. The objective of the scheme is to provide funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland. It specifically supports the growing activity tourism sector as prioritised in Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2022 is closed for applications.
The type of projects typically funded by the scheme include trails, walkways, cycleways, greenways, blueways, mountain access routes, bridleways and open water amenities at bogs, rivers, lakes and beaches, including tidal pools. The 2022 Scheme emphasises the opportunities for recreational amenities located near rivers, lakes and beaches, and also seeks to support recreational infrastructure that provides an inclusive approach for communities to deliver outlets that support a diverse range of users, including people with disabilities and older adults.
Project proposals under Measure 1 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for 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.
Note: It is important that EOIs submitted for Measure 1 demonstrate adherence to best practice as per the guidelines and toolkits outlined below with links provided and referred to on page 7 of the Scheme Outline. The EOI form submitted must reference and include details of how the best practice guidelines have been considered.
- Sport Ireland – Walking Trails Criteria for Ireland, click here
- Sport Ireland – Recreational Horse Trails Criteria for Ireland, click here
- Blueways Ireland – Blueway Management & Development Guide, click here
- A Guide to Planning and Developing Small Vessel Water Trails in Ireland, click here
- Helping the Hills – Guiding Principles for the Management of path Erosion in Upland Areas, click here
- Cara’s Accessibility and the Great Outdoors Resources, click here
- Leave no Trace Resources, click here
- Fáilte Ireland – Greenway Visitor Experience and Interpretation Toolkit, click here
- Nature-based Solutions to the Management of Rainwater and Surface Water Runoff in Urban Areas, click here
The scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2022 is closed for applications.
