Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure. The scheme facilitates the development of numerous greenways, blueways, walks and other trails across the country.

In 2016, 117 projects throughout Ireland were selected for funding of €7.4 million from a total of 221 expressions of interest received from local authorities, local development companies and State agencies during 2015. Under the 2017 scheme, 251 projects were approved for funding of €13.6 million from a total of 376 applications which were received by my Department from local authorities and State agencies.

The applications under both the 2016 and 2017 schemes were assessed under the following general headings: the collaborative nature of the application; the element of match funding available; the provision of detailed costings of all elements of the project; and the amount of added recreational value that the project would bring to the community, the region or nationally.

I launched the 2018 outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme on 1 June last, with an allocation of €12 million to continue to support important local, regional and national rural recreation projects this year and into 2019. Details of all projects funded under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in 2016 and 2017 and the scheme outline for 2018 can be found on the rural recreation pages of my Department's website.

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