Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
190. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the funding streams currently available for the development and enhancement of lakeside and lakeshore recreational amenities, particularly around Lough Owel, Lough Ree and Lough Ennell; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72629/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, there are no appropriate active capital grant schemes available to support the development and enhancement of lakeside and lakeshore recreational amenities, however Fáilte Ireland is planning to launch a new scheme in 2026. Once the new scheme launches, projects that meet all eligibility criteria will be able to apply.
The EU Just Transition Fund is supporting lakeshore developments in the Midlands region. Through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme (2023–2026), funding has been awarded to several projects, including €1,067,722 provided under the EU Just Transition Fund to Roscommon County Council, in partnership with Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, for planning and design of a large-scale multifaceted project on the Hodson Bay waterfront area.
The funding received through the EU Just Transition Fund will help create a tourism and recreational destination accessible by land and water on the shores of Lough Ree and the development will help support and enhance tourism and economic developments for Hodson Bay and the wider midlands region in a balanced and sustainable way. The development also aligns with the objectives and ambition of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan 2020 to 2030 and Ireland Hidden Heartlands Regional development Strategy 2023 to 2027.
From 2018 to 2021, Fáilte Ireland partnered with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to co-fund and deliver the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). During this period, Fáilte Ireland made a direct financial contribution to the scheme, supporting the development, enhancement and maintenance of outdoor recreational infrastructure across the country. This investment helped deliver projects such as trails, greenways, blueways, mountain access routes, and park and forest infrastructure, strengthening rural communities and enhancing Ireland’s outdoor tourism offering.
A key example of this partnership was the 2020 joint investment of €8.4 million, which funded 44 projects nationwide, with €4 million provided by Fáilte Ireland and €4.4 million by the Department.
Since 2022, while Fáilte Ireland is no longer a funding partner and does not financially contribute to ORIS, it continues to support the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and local authorities in the delivery of the scheme. This support focuses on ensuring that ORIS-funded projects align with national and regional tourism strategies, complement destination development plans, and contribute to sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism outcomes. Recent ORIS projects include lakeside boardwalks, kayak trails, swimming facilities, and blueway improvements.
This collaborative approach aligns with broader national strategies such as Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors and is complemented by Fáilte Ireland’s ongoing work with partner agencies including Coillte, Waterways Ireland, and the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
I am also aware of the Community Water Development Fund which is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by LAWPRO. This fund supports community groups to enhance the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The fund has been in place since 2017, with growing interest year on year.
