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Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
From Department of Rural and Community Development
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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 2024/2025 scheme is now open.
Please note, the deadline for applications under Measure 1 and Project Development Measure has been extended to Friday, 14th March.
The full scheme outline is available here:
Details of previous successful projects under ORIS can be found here.
ORIS 2024/25 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.
- 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.
- Funding of up to €50,000 at a 90% rate of aid.
- Local authorities can each submit two applications under this Measure.
- Local development companies and state bodies can each submit one application under this Measure.
- Local authorities with inhabited off-shore islands may submit one additional application under this Measure (max. 3 applications) which relates directly to a project on one of the inhabited off-shore islands.
| Measure | Deadline Date | Approval Date (indicative) | Timeline for completion | |
| Measure 1 | February 14, 2025 | Quarter 2 2025 | 18 months | |
| Project Development Measure | February 14 2025 | Quarter 2 2025 | 18 months | |
| Measure 2 | March 28, 2025 | Quarter 3 2025 | 24 months | |
| Measure 3 | March 28, 2025 | Quarter 3 2025 | 24 months |
For further queries please contact ORIS@drcd.gov.ie
Information on funding allocated to The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) can be found here: Funding allocated to schemes and programmes