Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
2085. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the development of a water activity hub in Carlow town park for users of the River Barrow as an amenity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37362/23]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. The Scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, blue ways and bridleways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding in excess of €106 million has supported more than 1,500 projects across the country. A number of projects connected with the River Barrow have received funding from the Scheme in the past.
Measure 2 and 3 of the 2023 ORIS Scheme aim to provide funding for the development of medium and large scale recreational infrastructure. The deadline for applications under Measure 2 and 3 is October 27th 2023. No application for the proposed water activity hub has been received to date.
I understand, however, that it is the intention of Carlow Local Authority to apply for Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Funding for the proposed water activity hub in Carlow Town Park once the programme is opened for applications. This scheme falls under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
