Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I launched the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme on 1st June. The scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreation infrastructure and for the maintenance and promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural Ireland. In the last two years, the scheme has funded trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways, and projects that improve access to recreational amenities across the country.

Under the 2018 scheme, applications will be accepted under three measures:

Measure 1 will cater for small projects with a value of up to €20,000.

Measure 2 will support medium sized projects, ranging in value from €20,000 to €200,000.

Measure 3 is aimed at large projects, ranging from €200,000 to €500,000.

I have made an indicative allocation of €12 million to the scheme for 2018, across the three measures.  The closing date for receipt of applications is 6 July 2018 for Measure 1, and 27 July 2018 for Measures 2 and 3.

In 2017, funding of €13.6 million was allocated under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme to a total of 251 projects. Under the 2017 scheme, Sligo received total funding of €1,072,675 for 18 projects.

Detailed lists of all projects funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and further details on the 2018 scheme, can be found on my Department's website at the following link: