€2.3 million to develop 50 new outdoor recreation projects Announced

  • Funding will support preparatory work required to bring large scale outdoor recreation projects to a shovel-ready stage
  • Investment will ensure a strong pipeline of outdoor amenity projects right across the country in the coming years
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today (Tuesday, 21st November 2023) announced funding of almost €2.3 million to support the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today (Tuesday, 21st November 2023) announced funding of almost €2.3 million to support the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland.

The investment under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.

The projects, when ultimately delivered, will also provide a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.

This funding will be invested in 50 outdoor recreation projects that are currently at the early stage of development.

These projects are to receive funding of up to €50,000 to bring them to a shovel-ready stage. Once at a shovel ready stage, they will be in a position to secure further funding through the other measures of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Funding for the delivery of projects on the ground under the other Measures of the scheme will be announced by Minister Humphreys early next year.

Among the projects being funded under the Project Development Measure today include:

  • Killala, Co. Mayo: Scoping the creation of Ireland’s first underwater artificial reef in Killala bay and environmental planning costs – €50,000.
  • Slieve Bearnagh Mountain, Co. Clare: Feasibility study for the development of a Cycling Hub in Slieve Bearnagh – €50,000
  • Linn Taoide Arainn, Co. Galway: Feasibility Study for provision of tidal pool on Arainn along the seashore – €35,847
  • Derryounce, Co. Laois: Feasibility Study for the potential development of the Derryounce Amenity Area – €44,280
  • Castlerea, Co. Roscommon: Screening, environmental assessments and preparation for development of Castlerea Riverside Boardwalk – €50,000
  • Bray Head, Co Wicklow: Recreation Plan to manage and protect the landscape and ensure safe and appropriate recreation – €45,000
  • New Ross, Co. Wexford: Planning and design for water sports opportunities in New Ross and the tidal section of the River Barrow – €47,579

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“We’re now heading into the darker days of winter and it’s more important than ever to make the most of those precious daylight hours by getting out and about when you can. The funding I’m announcing today will support the further development of our hiking trails, water based activities and other amenities making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit nationwide. These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I would encourage everyone who can to get out and about, and make the most of what our countryside has to offer.”

Minister Humphreys continued:

“The Government’s Rural Development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’, has allowed us to invest in our outdoor amenities at a level never before seen in Ireland. The economic and social benefits of this investment for our rural heartland can be seen today through the unprecedented number of people enjoying the new amenities my Department has funded in collaboration with local communities all over the country. I’m also pleased that this investment will mark another step forward in delivering on the Government’s ambitious new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy – Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors.”

A full list of successful projects is available below.

List of Successful Projects ORIS Project Development Measure
OrganisationProject NameProject DescriptionAmount Approved
CAVAN
Cavan County CouncilSwellan Lough StudyStudy to identify potential of development of Swellan Lough as a recreational amenity€49,500.00
Cavan County Council (joint with Leitrim County council)Lough MacNean Canoe TrailComprehensive cross county feasibility study into the sustainable development of an innovative canoe trail. (Sum of €22,693.50 shared with Leitrim)€22,693.50
CLARE
Clare County CouncilSlieve Bearnagh Mountain Bike TrailFeasibility study for the development of a Cycling Hub in Slieve Bearnagh€50,000.00
Clare County CouncilRiver Fergus Activities HubCarry out necessary surveys, assessment and design works for the development of infrastructure that would accommodate water-based activities on the River Fergus€50,000.00
CORK
Cork County CouncilKnockadoonTo explore the potential to extend the existing Capel View Cliff Walk eastwards from Knockadoon Pier€50,000.00
Cork County CouncilRiver Sullane CrossingProposal to Design a pedestrian bridge to link the North of River Sullane section of Town Park to the South section of the park€50,000.00
DONEGAL
Donegal County CouncilThe Swilly Way – Riverside WalkThis project will seek to facilitate landowner engagement/stakeholder engagement, detailed design & tender preparation€50,000.00
Donegal County CouncilBallyconnell Estate & Gardens FalcarraghMulti-disciplinary team to prepare reports &documents to inform the further enhancement of the recreational amenity€50,000.00
DUBLIN
Fingal County CouncilSea Swimming at Skerries SpringersFeasibility Study for the development of infrastructure such as showers and changing facilities and completion of ramped access€40,500.00
GALWAY
Galway County CouncilRenville Forest Park MasterplanPlan to develop a Major Tourism Attraction, Building on the Unique Heritage of Renville Forest Park€49,950.00
Galway County CouncilBallinasloe Outdoor Recreation ParkFeasibility study exploring the options for the development of a public park in Ballinasloe€49,950.00
Galway County CouncilLinn Taoide ArainnFeasibility Study for Provision of tidal pool on Arainn along the seashore€35,847.45
INLAND FISHERIES
Inland FisheriesClonwal FootbridgePlanning and design for the removal of an existing footbridge and new structure€29,700.00
Inland FisheriesAngling Accessibility South Western River Basin DistrictPlanning and design for angling infrastructure improvements including accessible angling stands and steps€25,650.00
KERRY
Kerry County CouncilUniversal access to Ballybunion beachesDesign an accessible pedestrian route to the promenade, beach level and the proposed ‘Facility Centre for Water Based Sports Activities’ at Men’s Beach€50,000.00
Kerry County CouncilSustainable Outdoor Recreation Visitor and Community Mobility Management Plan for ValentiaDesign a greenway linking Knightstown, Chapeltown, Skellig Experience and Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point at Bray Head€50,000.00
KILDARE
Kildare CountyCorbally Canal and River Liffey Corridor Enhancement FeasibilityFeasibility study to assess the development potential for enhancing the Corbally Canal between Naas and Corbally Basin as a Greenway€45,000.00
Kildare County CouncilLiffey Valley Park – Leixlip – StraffanFeasibility study to assess the potential of delivering a section of the wider Liffey Valley Park by way of a series of connected public open spaces€45,000.00
KILKENNY
Kilkenny County CouncilKings River Boardwalk and Pedestrian Bridge, Kells, Co. Kilkenny.Technical consultation, & update the existing Feasibility Study through planning for Kings River Boardwalk and Pedestrian Bridge€49,500.00
Kilkenny County CouncilBrandon Hill Summit Walk – Upland Trail Enhancement SchemeEngage consultants to deliver a service brief for the restoration of the upland section of the Brandon Hill Summit Walk€49,500.00
LAOIS
Laois County CouncilDerryounce Amenity AreaCompletion of a Feasibility Study for the potential development of the Derryounce Amenity Area€44,280.00
LEITRIM
Leitrim County Council – joint with Cavan County CouncilLough MacNean Canoe TrailComprehensive cross county feasibility study into the sustainable development of an innovative canoe trail. (Sum of €22,693.50 shared with Leitrim)€22,693.50
Leitrim County CouncilFenagh Abbey TrailDesign and planning approval for a 450-metre section of a looped walking trail around the Fenagh Abbey site, St Catherine’s Church of Ireland and Fenagh village€34,200.00
LIMERICK
Limerick County CouncilChanging rooms / shower facilities and graded slipway at Kilteery Pier, LoghillAppropriate assessment, environmental screening, part 8 application and preparation of tender pack for changing rooms, shower facilities and slipway at Kilteery Pier, Loghill€50,000.00
Limerick County CouncilBlackrock Loop_Ballyhoura WayThe project will provide appropriate assessment, environmental screening and management plan for a 4km section of walking trail in the Ballyhoura Mountains€34,200.00
LONGFORD
Longford County CouncilNorth Longford Accessible for All Water AccessFeasibility and environmental assessments, including appropriate assessment required for the development of water access points in Lough Gowna & North Longford€49,500.00
Longford County CouncilSouth Longford Accessible for All Water AccessFeasibility and environmental assessments, including appropriate assessment required for the development of water access points at Longford, Lanesborough and Ballymahon€49,500.00
MAYO
Mayo County CouncilKillala Bay Ships ReefsScoping the creation of Ireland’s first underwater artificial reef in Killala bay and environmental planning costs€50,000.00
Mayo County CouncilCong to Lisloughrey Pier Recreational TrailDetailed design for a new 3.5km scenic trail connecting Cong and the 19th Century Dry canal structure and onwards to Kellys cave€50,000.00
MEATH
Meath County CouncilProvision of a Boardwalk through the Dunes from Mornington to BettystownCompletion of environmental assessments, preliminary design and specification for a planning application€50,000.00
MONAGHAN
Monaghan County CouncilCreevy Lough Recreational MasterplanDesign consultancy for a Recreational Masterplan of Creevy Lough, Carrickmacross€50,000.00
Monaghan County CouncilDrum Lough Circular WalkwayProfessional design, costing and planning ervices for creation of Drum Lough Circular Walkway€50,000.00
OFFALY
Offaly County CouncilPeatland Communities of Offaly: Quality of Life, Place & ExperienceTechnical support for communities to identify cluster opportunities for linking tracks, trails and recreational amenities in the peatlands€49,500.00
ROSCOMMON
Roscommon County CouncilCastlerea Riverside BoardwalkScreening, environmental assessments and preparation for development of Castlerea Riverside Boardwalk€50,000.00
Roscommon County CouncilAthleague Village Looped Walk linked to Suck Valley WayScreening, route design and preparation for Athleague Village Looped Walk linked to Suck Valley Way€50,000.00
SLIGO
Sligo County CouncilHazelwood FootbridgeFeasibility for a pedestrian/cyclist bridge across the Garavogue River at Cleveragh€50,000.00
Sligo County CouncilLough Lumman Viewing PointFeasibility for the development of an iconic viewing point platform at Lough Lumman on the Sligo Way.€50,000.00
Sligo County CouncilConey Island AccessIdentification of deliverable improvements to pier facilities at Coney Island€50,000.00
TIPPERARY
Tipperary County CouncilGarrykennedy Inner Harbour UpgradeConsultancy services to undertake planning and design works for the upgrading of the inner harbour in Garrykennedy€49,500.00
Tipperary County CouncilRoscrea River RoomsConsultancy for detailed design, planning and feasibility for a series of connected spaces along the riverside in Roscrea€49,999.50
WATERFORD
Waterford County CouncilComeragh Mountains Outdoor Recreation Management PlanPlan for the development and management of high-quality Outdoor Recreation Opportunities in the Comeragh Mountains€50,000.00
Waterford County CouncilBlackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation: Development of River Access Points for Water-based ActivityDesign of improved river access points to facilitate water-based activities at Ballyduff Upper, Tallow (R. Bride) and Lismore (R. Owenashad) in Blackwater River Valley€50,000.00
WESTMEATH
Westmeath County CouncilGreenway link from Castletown Geoghegan to the Old Rail TrailDesign and planning for a Greenway link from Castletown Geoghegan Rail Station to the village of Castletown Geoghegan€50,000.00
Westmeath County CouncilMoate Gateway Linear ParkDesign of a 6km spiritual and cultural trail in Moate Gateway Linear Park€50,000.00
WEXFORD
Wexford County CouncilNew Ross Water Hub DevelopmentPlanning and design for water sports opportunities in New Ross and the tidal section of the river barrow€47,578.50
Wexford County CouncilThe Cot Watersports Hub and TrailheadPlanning and design for new infrastructure to support a water trail€35,795.00
WICKLOW
Wicklow County CouncilLugnaquilla Recreation PlanRecreation Plan for the Lugnaquilla uplands area to manage visitor numbers, land use, habitats and safety in changes to access routes€45,000.00
Wicklow County CouncilBray Head Sustainable Recreation PlanRecreation Plan to manage and protect the landscape and ensure safe and appropriate recreation€45,000.00
UDARAS
UdarasLúibín GharumnaPlanning, design and screening for the development of Additional Spurs on Luibín Gharumna€22,770.00
UdarasCois CaolairePlanning and screening for the extension of an existing walk to 5km and incorporating a strong heritage engagement experience€45,810.00
**TOTAL€2,268,117.45

Our Rural Future

Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025 It represents a new milestone in the approach to rural development policy for Ireland and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas.

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, launched in 2023 was developed in collaboration with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative Cross-Government, stakeholder-led strategy. It reflects the views of stakeholders, the public and the whole of Government and it sets the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding as follows:

  • Measure 1: Small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing (up to €30,000 grant available)
  • Measure 2: Medium scale upgrade and new trail/amenity development (up to €200,000 grant available)
  • Measure 3: Large scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development (up to €500,000 grant available)
  • Project Development Measure: Development costs for strategic large scale Measure 2 or Measure 3 type projects e.g. detailed design, preparation for the planning and/or proc
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