Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2193. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide details regarding the outdoor recreation investment scheme funding eligibility; if municipal districts (details supplied) that are predominantly urban in nature but still have rural areas are eligible for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43016/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
Earlier this year, I launched the 2022 Scheme with a budget of €15 million to support outdoor recreation projects nationwide.
The Measures being funded under this year’s Scheme are:
- Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing (grant amounts up to €30,000.)
- Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development (grant amounts up to €200,000)
- Measure 3: Strategic Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development (grant amounts up to €500,000)
- Project Development Measure: Development costs for Strategic large Scale Projects (grant amounts up to €50,000).
While ORIS projects have traditionally been mainly located primarily in the countryside, this year eligibility is longer confined to such locations. Increased emphasis in 2022 on recreational amenities located near rivers, lakes and beaches, has served to widen eligibility to include projects located within rural towns and villages, including municipal districts primarily urban in nature.
ORIS funding may also support recreational infrastructure linking a town or village into the countryside, and in particular serve as a link between rural towns or villages and outdoor recreation facilities located in the countryside.
Each project submitted under ORIS is assessed on its own merits, within broad parameters set down in the Scheme outline prepared by my Department. Projects are assessed locally by the relevant local authority before being prioritised and submitted to my Department for final assessment.
The 2022 scheme is now closed for application under all Measures. I have announced successful applications under both Measure 1 (up to €30k) and the Project Development Measure. I expect to make an announcement in the coming weeks on the successful applicants under Measures 2 and 3.
