Minister Calleary Announces €8.7 Million for 221 Outdoor Recreation Projects

Minister Calleary announces €8.7 million for 221 outdoor recreation projects

During a visit to the Warren Way trail in County Sligo, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Thursday, 14 August 2025) announced €8.7 million to deliver 221 recreational based projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

The funding announced today is in respect of Measure 1 (small scale repair and development of recreational infrastructure) and the Project Development Measure of the Scheme. Further announcements in respect of Measures 2 and 3 of the Scheme will be made later this year.

The 221 projects announced today cover every county and include enhancement works on walking and cycling trails, improvements to signage, provision of parking and trail furniture, and support for the marketing and promotion of our outdoor recreational facilities.

Among the projects being funded include walking trails, mountain access routes and outdoor swimming amenities such as:

County Donegal – Dungloe: To improve and enhance the Dungloe River and Cope Mountain Looped Walk – €40,000.
County Kerry – MacGillycuddy Reeks: To carry out works on the Caher Mountain trail in the MacGillycuddy Reeks – €39,870.
County Wicklow – Wicklow: Installation of a Sea-Trac system in Wicklow Harbour to create independent swimming access for those with a physical disability – €40,000.
County Mayo – Lahardane: Development of a trail from the Titanic Park in Lahardane towards Nephin car park – €40,000.
County Monaghan – Lough Muckno: Phase II of the Lough Muckno sensory area and inclusive outdoor recreation space – €40,000.
County Sligo – Warren Way: Trailhead surfacing and trail resurfacing on the Warren Way – €40,000.
County Clare – Scariff River: Detailed design preparation for planning of a canoe trail, slalom course and whitewater rafting centre on the river Scariff.
County Limerick – Ballylanders: Screening and consultations to develop off-road connection between Griston Bog and Ballylanders. – €50,000.

Speaking today, Minister Calleary said:

Investment in the outdoors is so important to us all from a physical and mental health perspective. I am very happy to be making this announcement today which will see over a wide range of capital projects developed and delivered all across the country, adding to our already impressive outdoor recreation offering.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme continues to deliver on the commitments in Our Rural Future and the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, and builds on unprecedented levels of investment in the sector in recent years.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer T.D., said:

I very much welcome today’s announcement which sees a further 221 projects brought to fruition through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Funding provided under this scheme continues to deliver and enhance our recreational offering which is of huge importance to us from a community wellbeing perspective, as well as being a catalyst for tourism in rural areas.

I want to commend the various community groups who collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and enhance recreational amenities in their locality

Minister Calleary concluded by saying:

I have seen firsthand the significant difference investments under this fund have made. I recently attended the national outdoor recreation conference in Limerick, and it was clear that all of the key stakeholders are working together to develop and enhance this vitally important sector in a sustainable and inclusive manner. As Minister with responsibility for this area, I am committed to continuing to develop and grow our recreational amenities.

I want to congratulate the successful applicants announced today and I look forward to announcing the larger scale projects under measures 2 and 3 of the 2024/25 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in the coming months.

Details of the 221 projects announced today are available here.

2024/25 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

The Scheme is administered at a local level by local authorities and local development companies. It will prioritise projects which have evidence of strong community engagement. Examples of activities which applicants should have in mind when submitting applications for the 2024/25 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) include:

Land-Based	Water-Based	Air-Based
Walking	Canoeing/ Kayaking/SUP	Paragliding
Hillwalking/Hiking	Rowing	Hang-gliding
Leisure Cycling	Open Water Swimming including Tidal Pools
Mountain Biking	Surfing
Equestrian Trails	Coasteering
Trail/Off-road Running	Wind surfing/Kite Surfing/SUP
Orienteering	Sailing
Bouldering, Scrambling, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering	Diving

ORIS 2024/25 provides funding as follows:

Measure 1 – Small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing.; Funding of up to €40,000 at a 90% rate of aid.

Measure 2 –Medium scale repair/upgrade and new trail/amenity development.; Funding of up to €200,000 at a 90% rate of aid.

Measure 3 – Large scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development; Funding of up to €500,000 at a 90% rate of aid

Project Development Measure – Detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or Measure 3 of ORIS.; Funding of up to €50,000 at a 90% rate of aid.

Details of previous successful projects under ORIS can be found here.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

The expanded Department is now known as the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD leads the Department and is supported by the Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD.