Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme, ORIS, is funded by my Department under the document, Our Rural Future. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and other amenities at our rivers, beaches, lakes and forests.

Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of almost €109 million has supported more than 1,550 projects across the country. County Mayo has been allocated funding in excess of €6.3 million since 2016, which is supporting more than 75 projects.

Last year, I launched the 2023 ORIS with an allocation of €16 million, a €1 million increase on 2022. Applications were invited under four measures. The first three measures provide funding for the delivery of projects of varying scale from €30,000 up to €0.5 million. A total of 277 project applications were submitted by local development companies, local authorities and State bodies under the first three measures. These applications are currently being assessed and I hope to announce the successful projects in the first quarter of this year.

In addition, the 2023 scheme also includes a project development measure that provides funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large-scale projects. Last November I approved funding of almost €2.3 million for 50 projects. This funding will support preparatory work required to bring these large-scale outdoor recreation projects to a shovel-ready stage and ensure a strong pipeline of outdoor amenity projects right across the country in the coming years. Details of successful projects announced to date under ORIS can be viewed on my Department's website. Deputy Dillon was in touch with me about a number of them. I was delighted to be able to announce the funding, because I know the difference this type of support makes to local communities.

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