Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2026/2027
Measure 1
The 2026/2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas. The Scheme is funded under “Our Rural Future” which specifically prioritises the growing outdoor activity tourism sector as part of a long-term vision for a vibrant and sustainable rural Ireland.
In line with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors – National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, outdoor recreation is defined as activities that take place in the natural environment, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming. It does not include activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, showjumping) or motorised activities (such as quads/scramblers). Please refer to pages 20 & 21 of the Scheme Outline, here, for a list of ineligible Projects/Costs. Infrastructure funded under ORIS should be available free of charge and accessible to the public, for the most part.
Projects typically funded by ORIS include walkways, cycleways, blueways, water and cycle trails, mountain access routes, bridleways and open water amenities at bogs, rivers, lakes and beaches, including tidal pools.
This Expression of Interest (EOI) form relates to Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Maintenance/Development/Promotion and Marketing with a maximum grant up to €40,000. A maximum of 6 expressions of interest can progress to application stage. The closing date for EOI submission is no later than 12 noon on Monday 10 August 2026
-
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 requirements etc…, available to view here.
-
Planning Permission and Environmental Impact Assessment/ Appropriate Assessment Screening (where required) must be in place for an EOI to be considered for shortlisting for onward submission of an application 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 requested.
-
Please direct any queries to the Rural Development Department by email to oris@limerick.ie or by phone on 061-556008.
It is important that Expressions of Interest submitted demonstrate that any proposed works will be carried out in line with best practice as per the guidelines and toolkits, provided by the Department, where relevant to the Measure 1 expression of interest.
-
Trail Development |Sport Ireland, available here
-
Recreational Horse Trails Criteria for Ireland here
-
Blueways Ireland – Blueway Developers Toolkit, available here
-
Helping the Hills Mountaineering Ireland, 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.