Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
70. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to announce successful ORIS applications; if her attention has been drawn to the strand 3 application from Kerry County Council in respect of Kilderry looped amenity walk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10354/24]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure throughout rural Ireland.
Under the 2023 ORIS scheme, applications were invited under the following four measures:
• Measure 1: small scale projects requiring funding of up to €30,000,
• Measure 2: medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
• Measure 3: large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
• Project Development Measure: funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.
Last November, I approved funding of almost €2.3 million under the Project Development Measure of the 2023 scheme. This funding will support preparatory work required to bring large scale outdoor recreation projects to a shovel-ready stage. This investment will ensure a strong pipeline of outdoor amenity projects right across the country in the coming years.
Applications submitted under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the 2023 scheme are currently being assessed. I can confirm that the application referred to by the Deputy has been received under measure 3 of the scheme. I hope to be in a position to begin announcing successful projects under these measures in the coming weeks.
