- Continued investment in recreational facilities such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based amenities and mountain access routes through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)
- Directly supports the ambition of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’
During a visit to the Warren Way trail in County Sligo, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced €8.7 million to deliver 221 recreational based projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The funding announced is in respect of Measure 1 (small scale repair and development of recreational infrastructure) and the Project Development Measure of the Scheme. Further announcements in respect of Measures 2 and 3 of the Scheme will be made later this year.
The 221 projects announced cover every county and include enhancement works on walking and cycling trails, improvements to signage, provision of parking and trail furniture, and support for the marketing and promotion of our outdoor recreational facilities.
Among the projects being funded include walking trails, mountain access routes and outdoor swimming amenities such as: County Mayo – Lahardane: Development of a trail from the Titanic Park in Lahardane towards Nephin car park – €40,000.
Speaking today, Minister Calleary said:
“Investment in the outdoors is so important to us all from a physical and mental health perspective. I am very happy to be making this announcement today which will see over a wide range of capital projects developed and delivered all across the country, adding to our already impressive outdoor recreation offering.
“The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme continues to deliver on the commitments in Our Rural Future and the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, and builds on unprecedented levels of investment in the sector in recent years.”
Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer T.D., said:
“I very much welcome today’s announcement which sees a further 221 projects brought to fruition through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Funding provided under this scheme continues to deliver and enhance our recreational offering which is of huge importance to us from a community wellbeing perspective, as well as being a catalyst for tourism in rural areas.
“I want to commend the various community groups who collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and enhance recreational amenities in their locality.”
Details of the 221 projects announced today are available here.