Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1746. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the 2019 outdoor recreational infrastructure scheme awards will be announced in view of the difficulties in works in 2018 due to the constrained timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36195/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme forms part of the Government's Project Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration Programme. The scheme provides funding to develop new outdoor recreational infrastructure and to maintain, enhance and promote existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland. Funding of over €41 million has been allocated to almost 600 projects under the scheme since 2016.

I launched the 2019 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme last March and applications were invited under three separate measures based on the scale of the projects to be delivered. The closing date for applications was 31^stMay, and over 280 applications were received. These applications are currently being assessed by my Department.

I will announce the successful projects under the various scheme measures when the assessment process is complete. The timelines for the completion of these projects and the drawdown of the funding will take account of the experience of projects in completing works under previous funding rounds, as highlighted by the Deputy.