Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
1033. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of projects in County Laois considered for funding under the outdoor recreation infrastructure projects fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1669/19]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreation infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in Ireland.
On 28th May last year, I launched the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2018, under three separate Measures:
- Measure 1: Small maintenance/promotion of existing infrastructure (maximum grant €20,000),
- Measure 2: Medium scale repair/upgrade and development of new small/medium infrastructure (maximum grant €200,000), and
- Measure 3: Repair/upgrade and development of larger more strategic projects (grant of between €200,001 and €500,000).
Each applicant was entitled to submit up to 10 applications under Measure 1, and up to 4 applications under Measure 2. Local Development Companies were invited to apply under Measure 1, while Local Authorities were applicants under Measure 2.
Measure 3 was targeted at larger-scale projects with a potential regional or national impact, which could be delivered collaboratively by Local Authorities and/or State Agencies. One proposal per applicant was allowed under Measure 3.
Laois Local Development Company submitted 9 applications for funding under Measure 1, and of those, 3 applications were approved for funding.
Laois County Council submitted 1 application under Measure 2. This application was assessed under Measure 3, as the level of funding sought was in excess of the maximum allowable under Measure 2. However, the application was not successful as it did not comply with the eligibility criteria indicated in the scheme guidelines.
In total, more than 220 projects were approved for funding to a value of €21 million across all three Measures of the 2018 Outdoor Infrastructure Scheme. The continued development of our recreational infrastructure will support Ireland’s developing rural tourism industry, and will also provide better recreational facilities for local people and families to enjoy.
