Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
684. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for a status update on the provision of a water activity hub in Carlow town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2615/24]
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 of almost €109 million has supported more than 1,550 projects across the country.
I launched ORIS 2023 last June with an allocation of €16 million. No application for the water activity hub referred to by the Deputy was received under ORIS 2023.
I understand, however, that it is the intention of the local authority in Carlow to apply to the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund for the proposed water activity hub in Carlow Town Park. This scheme falls under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
