Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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2079. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided under stream 3 of the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme for the application relating to Killarney National Park in recognition of the significant economic activity stimulated by the park; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15063/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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There has been a strong level of  interest in the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) since it was introduced in 2017.  In 2020 alone, 287 applications were received by my Department under the scheme, seeking funding of over €26 million, which greatly exceeded the budget available.

Under the 2020 scheme, I have approved 226 projects, with 61 applications being unsuccessful. 

An application for the project referred to by the Deputy was received by my Department under Measure 3 of the scheme.  On 22nd March last, I announced details of the 14 projects under Measure 3 that have been approved for funding of €6 million.  Unfortunately, it was not possible to support all of the applications within the available budget and the project relating to Killarney National Park was unsuccessful on this occasion. 

Local Authorities will have the opportunity to submit revised applications in respect of the unsuccessful projects to the 2021 scheme which I expect to launch shortly.