Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When I was in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, there were some schemes there, particularly for cities and bigger towns. I want to make it clear to the Deputy that the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme opened on 1 June, the closing date is 27 July and it is open to everybody. Every application will be considered on its merits. I will set out the guidelines. It is a three-phase scheme. Measure 1 is for small-scale small maintenance or promotion of existing infrastructure where the maximum grant payable is €20,000. Measure 2 involves medium-scale repair or upgrade and new trail development where maximum amount payable is up to €200,000. Measure 3 involves larger-scale repair or upgrade and new strategy trails and development where the maximum amount payable is €500,000. I am talking to some State agencies at the moment to see whether they will come and support me with further funding but this funding is there. This is funding from my Department. I will talk to the State agencies to see whether they might top up some of these schemes. Local authorities can make ten applications for smaller schemes, four for medium schemes and one for a big scheme so they must prioritise the scheme or schemes they want - one large scheme, four medium schemes or ten smaller schemes. If a project is worthy of support and the application meets the criteria set out by the Department, it will be considered regardless of whether it involves a rural or urban area.

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