Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2024/2025
The 2024/2025 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme was launched on 17th October 2024 by Minister Heather Humphreys.
In line with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, outdoor recreation is defined as activities that take place in the natural environment. The 2024/2025 Scheme will place particular focus on projects which include walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming. The focus of ORIS is to support outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland that not only provides an outlet for the communities in which they are situated but that also delivers added value from a tourism perspective.
The Measures being funded under this year’s Scheme are:
- Measure 1 – for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €40,000,
- Measure 2 – for medium scale projects requiring funding of up to €200,000,
- Measure 3 – for 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.
Local Authorities and Local Development Companies must seek Expressions of Interest (EOI) from local community groups to identify projects that enhance or redevelop existing amenities, or support new opportunities to develop local natural resources.
Offaly County Council has submitted a number of applications and will release details of same should funding be secured under this scheme which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development.