Minister launches €20m outdoor recreation scheme

Key facts

• Minister Dara Calleary launched the 2026-2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
• The scheme provides €20 million for outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas.
• It aims to support hundreds of projects nationwide, including those in mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests.
• The ORIS has invested over €150 million in more than 2,000 projects over the past decade.
• Funding is available across three measures, with grants up to €500,000 for large-scale developments.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has launched the 2026-2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), making €20 million available for investment. This scheme is designed to support the development and maintenance of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland, aiming to fund hundreds of projects nationwide. These projects span various natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, blue-ways, bogs, and forest walks. Now in its tenth year, the ORIS has historically invested over €150 million in more than 2,000 recreation projects. Minister Calleary highlighted the dual benefits of these projects, contributing to both physical and mental well-being and serving as a driver of economic benefit in rural communities. The scheme operates under 'Embracing Ireland's Outdoors,' the national outdoor recreation strategy. Funding is structured across three measures: up to €40,000 for small-scale repairs, maintenance, promotion, and marketing; up to €200,000 for medium-scale upgrades and new trail development; and up to €500,000 for large-scale strategic developments. An enhanced project development measure will also support lead applicants in preparing shovel-ready projects for future funding rounds. The scheme offers flexibility, allowing for pre-development work, including for equestrian trails, and permits an additional project application from Gaeltacht or island areas in each county. It also clarifies the role in undertaking capital maintenance works on existing amenities. Applications are invited from local authorities, local development companies, and state bodies, in consultation with local communities and aligned with new county outdoor recreation plans.