Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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56. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will reopen for applications in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23088/26]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, or ORIS, is funded by my Department as part of the Rural Development Investment Programme.

It is an important contributor to “Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors”, our national outdoor recreation strategy. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, blue ways, mountain access routes and open water facilities at rivers, lakes and beaches.

Since 2016, funding of over €154 million has been approved for more than 2,060 outdoor amenities across the country. These new and improved facilities are a vital outlet for both residents and tourists.

Applications under ORIS are administered, prioritised and submitted by local authorities, local development companies and state bodies to my Department for assessment.

Last week, my officials facilitated a workshop with key stakeholders nationwide to review delivery of the scheme and to explore opportunities for the next iteration of ORIS.

I expect to launch ORIS 2026/2027 with an increased budget allocation of €17 million in Quarter 2 of this year.

Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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57. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on the LIS scheme as recently announced; if changes have been made to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23040/26]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was re-introduced by my Department in 2017 and, since then, over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.

Last month, I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme with funding of €17.55 million. This is an increase on the initial base funding allocated in 2025.

While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is managed by local authorities. There are no changes to the scheme criteria this year and local authorities remain responsible for selecting and prioritising roads. This includes handling applications, prioritising eligible roads, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists.

My officials are engaging with local authorities who are in the process of preparing their lists of roads where works will be undertaken this year. The scheme will be closely monitored to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme.