During a visit to Clare Island in Co. Mayo, Ireland’s Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced €16.5m to deliver 63 projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The funding announced is in respect of Measures 2 and 3 of the scheme which provides funding of up to €500,000 for strategic repair and maintenance of existing facilities together with the development of new recreational infrastructure.
Among the 63 projects announced, which are located across every county in Ireland, are walking trails, mountain access projects, and outdoor water-based amenities.
Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to make this significant funding announcement today for outdoor recreational facilities. This investment will further enhance these spaces which not only act as recreational and social spaces for our communities but also add greatly to our tourism sector.
“Today’s announcement, on Clare Island, will see a wide range of capital projects delivered across the country covering walking and cycling trails, upland paths, and enhancements in water-based activities. This is all further delivering on the objectives of our national outdoor recreation strategy Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.”
The 63 projects announced today are in addition to the 221 projects announced by Minister Calleary in August. The funding allocated under the 2024/2025 programme now stands at over €25.27m, the largest approval to date under ORIS.
Calleary said: “The funding for the project that I have announced for Clare Island will see upgrade works on the existing path so that the Clewbay bike trail can be extended further into the island. This project is the outcome of true collaboration between many stakeholders, and indeed it is investment that supports a number of my department’s objectives.”
Calleary also confirmed that the Second Progress Report for Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors has now been published on the Department’s website. The report outlines the significant progress being made across the range of important actions in the strategy.
