Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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58. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will open for applications this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26383/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €129 million has been awarded to 1,775 projects across the country.

I was delighted to announce total funding of almost €22.5 million for 270 projects under the 2023 scheme. This is the largest allocation since the establishment of the scheme.

My officials will be reviewing the scheme criteria in the coming months in anticipation of the launch of a new round of funding later this year. It is my intention at this stage to launch the next iteration of the scheme in September 2024.