Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
2098. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if horse trail riding recreation infrastructure development will be supported under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme; if she will update the scheme's press release and scheme information to include horse trail riding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38998/23]
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 infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of in excess of €106 million has supported more than 1,500 projects across the country.
The scheme is central to Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, which is set to shape the future of outdoor recreation over the next five years. The strategy will ensure that there is a joined up and coordinated approach to deliver maximum impact from the significant investment in the sector and to build on the natural advantages in place.
In line with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, outdoor recreation is defined as activities that take place in the natural environment, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming. I am pleased to confirm that horse riding is listed as an eligible activity in the 2023 ORIS scheme outline and applications for the development of horse trail riding recreation infrastructure will be considered for funding accordingly.
