Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
769. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason the ORIS Measure One application from South Tipperary Development Company for the development of a promotional website for the St. Declans' Way Irish Camino was not successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15968/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to officially open St Declan's Way in September 2021. This is a great amenity for locals and visitors alike, and it is of note that it has received support under a number of schemes and supports operated by my Department in recent years.
For example, St. Declan's Way has been awarded funding of over €220,000 through my Department's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme since 2016. I was also pleased to include this trail in my Department's Walks Scheme which provides funding to the local landowners for maintaining sections of the trail that traverse their land. I understand that 46 landowners on this trail are participating in this scheme. Furthermore, on Saturday last, I announced funding of €20,000 for two capital projects on St Declan's Way under my Department's Walks Scheme Development Fund.
The 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.
Under Measure 1 of the ORIS 2023 scheme, an application was submitted by South Tipperary Development CLG to further develop the St Declan's Way website. I regret to note that given the finite level of resources available and following a competitive assessment process, this application was not successful for funding. My officials are available to discuss this application and other potential projects with the applicants as appropriate.
