Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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2566. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has allocated additional funds to local authorities in the context of the major increase in outdoor recreational activity which is likely to continue into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19848/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Since 2016, my Department has allocated almost €68 million to nearly 1,000 projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). Earlier this year I announced details of 226 projects to the value of almost €15.8 million that were approved funding under ORIS 2020.

The scheme invests in physical infrastructure that underpins recreational activities based on the use of the resources of the countryside. This investment is making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building the economic and tourism potential of rural areas. The scheme is even more important now given the growing usage of this infrastructure as a result of the pandemic.

The scheme provides funding for the development and/or enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes in rural areas. It also supports infrastructure at beaches and inland waterways. The scheme is delivered through Local Authorities, Local Development Companies and State agencies, depending on the nature and scale of the measure in question and in accordance with the guidelines for the scheme which are published annually.

Continued investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure has never been more important and I am pleased to have secured a 20% increase in funding for ORIS in 2021. Exchequer funding for the scheme this year will be €12 million, compared to €10 million in 2020. The scheme is also supported with additional funding from Fáilte Ireland, who are partners with my Department in delivering the scheme.

I will be announcing details of the 2021 scheme in the coming weeks.