Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2023
30. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline the mechanism open to local authorities who wish to provide seating and viewpoints on mountains enjoyed by walkers such as the Cooley Mountains in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8154/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. 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.
ORIS provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas. Since the launch of the Scheme, funding in excess of €106 million has been approved, supporting more than 1,500 projects across Ireland. Last year, I approved projects to the value of almost €20 million under the Scheme.
The 2022 Scheme provided funding as follows:
- Small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing (up to €30,000)
- Medium scale upgrade and new trail/amenity development (up to €200,000)
- Large scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development (up to €500,000)
- Project development costs for strategic medium/large scale projects (up to €50,000)
The upgrade of trails and the provision of seating and viewpoints on mountain walks are eligible under the Scheme. The 2023 Scheme is currently being reviewed and I expect to launch it later this year with a budget of some €16 million.
In addition, my Department also administers the Walks Scheme. This Scheme facilitates the development and maintenance of many of Ireland’s walking trails. One such trail is the Táin Way, located on the Cooley Mountains. The Walks Scheme is managed at a local level on behalf of my Department by Louth LEADER Partnership. Funding is also available through this scheme to provide maintenance and furniture for The Táin Way.
