Aidan Farrelly
Question:1353. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the 2026 budget allocation for the outdoor infrastructure recreation scheme. [36900/26]
View answerTuesday, 19 May 2026
Questions (1353)
Written answers
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department as part of the Rural Development Investment Programme.
It is an important contributor to “Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors”, our national outdoor recreation strategy. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, blue ways, mountain access routes and open water facilities at rivers, lakes and beaches.
Since 2016, funding of over €154 million has been approved for more than 2,060 outdoor amenities across the country. These new and improved facilities are a vital outlet for both residents and tourists.
Applications under ORIS are administered, prioritised and submitted by local authorities, local development companies and state bodies to my Department for assessment.
The 2026 budget allocation for the ORIS subhead in 2026 is €17 million. Funding is allocated to outdoor recreation projects from this subhead on a multi-annual basis in keeping with the structure of the scheme.