Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
1045. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to announce the next recipients of funding under measures 2 and 3 of the outdoor recreation and infrastructure scheme; if a project (details supplied) in County Kerry will be given particular consideration due to the relative impact and proven significant economic spin-off associated with it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6837/21]
View answer1046. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to announce the next recipients of funding under measures 2 and 3 of the outdoor recreation and infrastructure scheme; if a project (details supplied) in County Kerry will be given strong consideration due to the large numbers of persons who visit the general vicinity and an anticipated spike in visitors in summer 2021 due to strong domestic tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6838/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1045 and 1046 together.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and/or enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes in rural areas. Since 2016, my Department has invested almost €55.2 million in over 920 projects across Ireland under the scheme.
The 2020 scheme was launched on the 29 May last in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, with an indicative budget of €10 million. Project applications were accepted under three Measures under the 2020 scheme, as follows:
- Measure 1 for small-scale projects requiring funding of up to €20,000,
- Measure 2 for medium-scale projects with funding of up to €200,000, and
- Measure 3 for large-scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000.
The closing date for receipt of applications under Measure 1 was the 30 September 2020 and I recently announced details of 174 successful projects under this Measure to a value of almost €3.2 million. These included 10 projects in Co. Kerry to a value of over €191,000.
The closing date for Measure 2 and Measure 3 projects was the 30 November 2020. My Department received over 90 applications under these two Measures and my officials are currently completing the assessment process on those projects.
I can confirm that applications have been received from Kerry County Council for the projects referred to by the Deputy. These applications will be assessed in line with the scheme criteria, along with all the other applications received.
I hope to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly, when the assessment process is complete.
