Minister Canney welcomes opening of €20 million Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of the 2026-2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), which will make €20 million available to support outdoor recreation projects in rural communities across the country.

The scheme will support the development and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure including trails, walkways, blueways, outdoor amenities and other recreational facilities.

Welcoming the opening of applications, Minister Canney said: “The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has delivered significant investment in communities across Ireland over the past decade and has helped develop many outstanding amenities that are enjoyed by local people and visitors alike.”

“This latest €20 million round of funding will support the further development of outdoor recreation facilities, while also providing greater flexibility for local authorities and local development companies to bring projects forward.”

Funding under the Scheme will provide support across three main measures with funding of up to €40,000 for Small Scale repairs, maintenance, promotion and marketing under Measure 1. Under Measure 2, grant amounts of up to €200,000 are available for medium scale repair/ maintenance/upgrade and new trail/amenity development. Finally grants of up to €500,000 are available in Measure 3 for strategic large-scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development. In addition, an enhanced Project Development Measure (PDM) will support lead applicants in delivering a pipeline of shovel ready projects for future funding rounds.

Minister Canney said applications are invited from local authorities, local development companies and state bodies, in consultation with local communities and aligning with emerging project recommendations from new county outdoor recreation plans that are being developed across the country.

Applications under Measure 1 and the Project Development Measure will close on 25 September 2026, while applications under Measures 2 and 3 will close on 15 December 2026.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026-2027 has a budget of €20 million. Funding is available under:

Exit mobile version