Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2024/2025
Measure 1
The 2024/2025 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas. The Scheme is funded under “Our Rural Future”, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, which specifically prioritises the growing outdoor activity tourism sector as part of a long-term vision for a vibrant and sustainable rural Ireland.
The National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, launched in November 2022, is set to shaping the strategic direction of outdoor recreation in Ireland. The Strategy aims to increase the number of people active in the outdoors, especially young people and under-represented groups, and to foster a greater understanding of how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. It also aims to protect our landscapes, habitats and built heritage and provides guidance on the process and practices for developing outdoor recreation infrastructure in a sustainable fashion. It is essential that all expressions of interest submitted under ORIS are consistent with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, available to view here.
Projects typically funded by ORIS include walkways, cycleways, blueways, water and cycle trails, bridleways, as well as open water amenities at bogs, rivers and lakes. Water based projects located within rural town/village environs are also eligible. Projects in relation to activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, showjumping) or motorised activities (such as quads/scramblers) are not eligible for funding under ORIS. Please refer to page 17 of the Scheme Outline for a list of ineligible Projects/Costs.
This Expression of Interest (EOI) form relates to Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing with a maximum grant up to €40,000. A maximum of six EOIs can be shortlisted for onward submission of applications to the Department of Rural and Community Development. The closing date for EOI submission is 12 noon on Monday 16 December
- Before starting this Expression of Interest form, please review the Scheme Outline in full for all information, including planning permission, appropriate assessment screening, written consent etc…, available to view here.
- Planning Permission and Appropriate Assessment Screening (where required) must be in place for an EOI to be considered for shortlisting for onward submission to the Department.
- It is essential that all expressions of interest submitted under ORIS are consistent with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, available to view here.
- All questions on the form must be answered and supporting documentation uploaded where specified.
- Any queries can be directed by email to oris@limerick.ie or by phone to 061-556008
It is also important that EOIs submitted demonstrate adherence to best practice as per the guidelines and toolkits, where relevant to the expression of interest being submitted.
- Trail Development |Sport Ireland, available here
- Blueways Ireland – Blueway Developers Toolkit, available here
- Helping the Hills – Guiding Principles for the Management of Path Erosion in Upland Areas, available here
- The Great Outdoors Resources – Accessibility|Active Disability Ireland, available here
- Leave No Trace Resources, available here
- Fáilte Ireland – Greenway Visitor Experience and Interpretation Toolkit, available here
- Nature-based Solutions to the Management of Rainwater and Surface Water Runoff in Urban Areas, available here
You must register for a MyPoint Account or log into your existing MyPoint Account in order to save your expression of interest form in stages (Save Draft).
Please click “Next Page” below to begin your application.
When you finish, be sure to click “Submit”, otherwise we will not receive your expression of interest.