Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
599. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when an announcement will be made in relation to the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4269/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 and blue ways 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.
Last year, I launched the 2023 ORIS scheme with an allocation of €16 million, a €1 million increase on 2022. 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.
A range of projects were submitted under all measures. Applications submitted under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the 2023 scheme are currently being assessed. I hope to announce successful projects for these three measures in the first quarter of this year.
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.
I'm pleased to confirm that I have secured an allocation of €16 million for ORIS this year as part of Budget 2024. This is a welcome investment that will support a range of outdoor recreation projects nationwide. The next iteration of the scheme will be launched later this year.
