The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland. The scheme was introduced in 2016 as the Rural Recreation Scheme and operated in 2017 under its current title.
Under the 2016 scheme, funding of €7.4 million was provided for 117 projects to facilitate the development of new recreational facilities and the maintenance of existing recreational infrastructure throughout Ireland. This funding was provided to the Local Authorities, Local Development Companies and State Agencies.
Under the 2017 scheme, funding was provided under three separate measures as follows:
Measure 1: Small Scale Maintenance/Promotion and Marketing
Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail Development
Measure 3: Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategy Trail Development
Funding for a total of 219 projects under Measure 1 and Measure 3 was announced on 31st July 2017, to the value of €11.4 million.
Funding for 32 projects under Measure 2 was announced on 8th January 2018, to the value of €2.2 million.
I will shortly be launching a new round of funding for 2018 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and full details will be included in that announcement. The question of funding for the Scheme in 2019 will be addressed as part of the normal Budgetary process.