Apply now for Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (Ireland)

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/2027 provides funding to develop, upgrade, maintain, and promote outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural Ireland. Grants of up to €500,000 are available for projects that improve public access to outdoor activities, support sustainable tourism, enhance accessibility, and strengthen rural communities.

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/2027

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/2027 is accepting applications to support the development, enhancement, maintenance, and promotion of outdoor recreation infrastructure across rural areas in Ireland. The programme aims to improve public access to outdoor amenities, encourage active lifestyles, strengthen rural tourism, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources while delivering long-term benefits for local communities and visitors.

Program Objectives

The scheme aims to:

• Develop new outdoor recreation infrastructure.
• Repair, upgrade, and maintain existing recreational facilities.
• Improve public access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Promote sustainable tourism and rural economic development.
• Encourage healthy and active lifestyles.
• Enhance environmental protection and sustainable land management.
• Increase accessibility and inclusion for all users.
• Strengthen collaboration between local authorities, communities, and stakeholders.
• Support long-term planning and sustainable management of outdoor recreation assets.

Focus Areas

The programme supports projects related to:

• Walking trails.
• Trekking routes.
• Hiking infrastructure.
• Cycling and mountain biking trails.
• Kayaking and canoeing facilities.
• Blueways and greenways.
• Water trails.
• Wild swimming facilities.
• Mountain access routes.
• Bridleways and equestrian trails.
• Open water recreation amenities.
• Accessibility improvements.
• Sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Environmental conservation.
• Community engagement.
• County outdoor recreation planning.
• Leadership and partnership development.
• Promotion and awareness activities.

About the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) supports the development of high-quality outdoor recreation facilities in rural Ireland. The programme encourages responsible access to natural landscapes while supporting local economies through sustainable tourism and community participation.

By investing in recreational infrastructure, the scheme helps create safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable outdoor spaces that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Funding Measures

Funding is available under four separate measures:

• Measure 1: Up to €40,000 for small-scale repair, maintenance, development, promotion, and marketing projects.
• Measure 2: Up to €200,000 for medium-scale infrastructure development, facility upgrades, and new recreational amenities.
• Measure 3: Up to €500,000 for large-scale strategic outdoor recreation infrastructure projects.
• Project Development Measure: Up to €100,000 for project planning, design, feasibility studies, surveys, and other preparatory activities.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support:

• Construction of new outdoor recreation facilities.
• Upgrading existing infrastructure.
• Maintenance and repair works.
• Trail development and enhancement.
• Visitor access improvements.
• Signage and interpretation.
• Accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
• Environmental protection measures.
• Project planning and design.
• Promotion and marketing of recreational amenities.
• Community engagement initiatives.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Local authorities.
• Local development companies.
• State bodies (depending on the funding measure).

Applicants are expected to work collaboratively with local communities and county outdoor recreation structures during project development.

Eligibility Requirements

Projects must:

• Be located in eligible rural areas of Ireland.
• Align with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023–2027.
• Support sustainable outdoor recreation.
• Demonstrate community benefit.
• Promote environmental sustainability.
• Involve collaboration with relevant local stakeholders where required.

Special Priority Areas

The programme encourages projects that support:

• Older people.
• People with disabilities.
• Gaeltacht communities.
• Inhabited coastal islands.
• Equestrian trail development.
• Sustainable tourism destinations.
• Community-led recreation initiatives.

Why This Program Matters

Outdoor recreation contributes to healthier communities, environmental stewardship, and stronger local economies.

The scheme helps:

• Increase access to nature.
• Improve public health and wellbeing.
• Support rural employment and tourism.
• Protect natural landscapes.
• Encourage sustainable recreation.
• Strengthen community partnerships.
• Enhance the quality of outdoor infrastructure across rural Ireland.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the ORIS 2026/2027 programme guidelines.
2. Identify the appropriate funding measure for the proposed project.
3. Consult with local communities and relevant county outdoor recreation structures.
4. Ensure the project aligns with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023–2027.
5. Prepare a detailed project proposal and budget.
6. Include supporting planning, environmental, and technical documentation where required.
7. Submit the application through the designated application process before the official deadline.

Application Tips

To improve the chances of success:

• Clearly demonstrate community need and public benefit.
• Show how the project supports sustainable tourism.
• Include accessibility features wherever possible.
• Demonstrate environmental sustainability.
• Develop realistic budgets and timelines.
• Engage local stakeholders early in the planning process.
• Ensure the proposal aligns with national and county recreation strategies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Selecting the wrong funding measure.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Failing to demonstrate community engagement.
• Ignoring accessibility and sustainability considerations.
• Omitting required planning or technical documentation.
• Presenting unrealistic budgets or implementation timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)?

ORIS is a funding programme that supports the development, maintenance, and enhancement of outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural Ireland.

Who can apply for ORIS funding?

Eligible applicants include local authorities, local development companies, and certain state bodies, depending on the funding measure.

What is the maximum funding available?

The maximum grant available is €500,000 under Measure 3, while the Project Development Measure offers up to €100,000.

What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible projects include walking trails, cycling routes, blueways, greenways, mountain access routes, accessibility improvements, maintenance works, recreational facilities, and project planning activities.

Do projects need to be located in rural areas?

Yes. Projects must be located in eligible rural areas and align with the programme’s objectives.

Does the scheme encourage accessibility?

Yes. ORIS strongly supports projects that improve accessibility for older people and people with disabilities.

What strategies must projects align with?

Projects should align with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023–2027 and relevant county outdoor recreation plans.

Conclusion

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/2027 provides significant funding to improve outdoor recreation infrastructure across rural Ireland. By supporting sustainable tourism, accessibility, environmental protection, and community-led recreation projects, the programme helps create safer, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible outdoor spaces that deliver lasting benefits for local communities and visitors.