Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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264. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to commence the next round of the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Programme; when it will be open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8950/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. The Scheme is central to Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 - 2027 which is set to shape the future of outdoor recreation over the next five years. ORIS fundsnew outdoor recreational infrastructure as well as providing for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing facilities in countryside areas across Ireland.

Since the launch of the Scheme, funding of in excess of €106 million has been approved to support more than 1,500 projects across Ireland. Last year, I approved projects to the value of almost €20 million under the Scheme.

The Measures to be included under the Scheme are reviewed each year. My Department is currently developing the 2023 Scheme in advance of the launch later this year.