Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland.

The scheme supports outdoor recreation activities such as walking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and hiking. It helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles. It supports the economic and tourism potential of the area for both local communities and tourist visitors alike.

The 2026/2027 scheme is now open to applications.

The full scheme outline is available here:

Details of previous successful projects under ORIS can be found here.

ORIS 2026/2027 provides funding as follows:

• Small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing.
• Funding of up to €40,000 at a 90% rate of aid.
• Maximum of *6 applications can be submitted by each local authority.
• Maximum of 3 applications can be submitted by each local development company.

*Where a local authority has a Gaeltacht area and/or an offshore Island, they will be permitted to submit one additional measure 1 application up to the value of €40,000, this must be clearly marked as Gaeltacht or Island.

• Medium scale repair/upgrade and new trail/amenity development.
• Funding of up to €200,000 at a 90% rate of aid.
• Maximum of 3 applications can be submitted by each local authority.
• Maximum of 1 application may be submitted per local development company and state body.

• Large scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development
• Funding of up to €500,000 at a 90% rate of aid
• Local authorities and state bodies can submit 1 application each under this Measure.

• Detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or Measure 3 of ORIS.
• Local authorities can each submit up to four prioritised applications with a combined value of €100,000 under this Measure. If sufficient demand and interest exist, they can submit one additional application for equestrian trails/bridleways up to €50,000. Local authorities with a Gaeltacht and/or an offshore Island may submit one additional application under this Measure up to €50,000.
• Local development companies can each submit up to three prioritised applications with a combined value of €70,000.
• State bodies may submit one application up to €50,000.

For further queries please contact ORIS@drcdg.gov.ie

Information on funding allocated to The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) can be found here: Funding allocated to schemes and programmes