- Investment in recreational facilities such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based amenities and mountain access routes
- Projects directly support the ambition of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy: ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’
During a visit to Clare Island , Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Monday, 3 November 2025) announced €16.5 million to deliver 63 projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The funding announced is in respect of Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme which provides funding of up to €500,000 for strategic repair and maintenance of existing facilities together with the development of new recreational infrastructure.
Among the 63 projects announced, Clare Island has been awarded €500,000 for an upgrade to the existing Clew Bay bike trail path to a standard that allows accessibility for all.
Speaking today, Minister Calleary said:
“I am delighted to make this significant funding announcement today for outdoor recreational facilities. This investment will further enhance these spaces which not only act as recreational and social spaces for our communities but also add greatly to our tourism sector.
“Today’s announcement, on Clare Island, will see a wide range of capital projects delivered across the country covering walking and cycling trails, upland paths, and enhancements in water-based activities. This is all further delivering on the objectives of our national outdoor recreation strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.”
The 63 projects announced today are in addition to the 221 projects announced by Minister Calleary in August. The funding allocated under the 2024/2025 programme now stands at over €25.27 million, the largest approval to date under ORIS.
Details of the 63 projects announced today are available here.
Photography by John O’Grady.