Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland.

The scheme supports outdoor recreation activities such as walking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and hiking. It helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles. It supports the economic and tourism potential of the area for both local communities and tourist visitors alike.

The scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/181e2-outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme

Call for Expressions of Interest - Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

Carlow County Council is now accepting expressions of interest for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/2027 from community groups and organisations. This is an opportunity for community groups to propose projects that would benefit local communities.

Launched by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) Dara Calleary TD, and administered by Carlow County Council, ORIS 2026 - 2027 will provide €20 million in funding nationally to support the development, enhancement and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural areas.

This funding presents an excellent opportunity for communities to develop projects that:

• Enhance outdoor recreation amenities, bike trails, walkways, swimming areas, equestrian trails

• Improve access to natural and recreational assets

• Support sustainable rural tourism, health and wellbeing

• Maintain and upgrade existing outdoor recreation facilities

Submissions will only be accepted on completion of the Expression of Interest (EOI) Form.

As Carlow County Council is permitted to submit a limited number of applications to DRCDG, EOIs will be initially evaluated based on the information submitted on this form against the relevant project assessment criteria outlined in the 2026 / 2027 scheme outline.  

Prior to completing the EOI, applicants should familiarise themselves with the Scheme Outline and further information available at: Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

 Completed Expression of Interest forms to be submitted via e mail only to oris@carlowcoco.ie

Important Advisory Notice

1. All projects must be shovel ready with all permissions in place and match funding confirmed.
2. Applications will not be accepted unless planning permission is already in place and a copy of the Grant of Permission is submitted with the application. If planning permission is not in place, applicants must submit a Section 5 Declaration of Exempted Development from the Planning Authority with the ORIS application. This cannot be accepted at a later date.
3. Activities Requiring Consent (ARC): Proposals affecting a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA) may require consent from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
4. Applications must align with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, Ireland’s National Outdoor Recreation Strategy and Carlow County Council’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2025 - 2030.
5. Applicants must provide evidence of adequate public liability insurance (€6.5 million), employers’ liability insurance (€13 million), and indemnification for Carlow County Council against any claims arising.
6. Match funding: a minimum cash contribution of 10% of the total project cost is required.
7. Benefit in kind is not permitted for 2026/2027 ORIS applications.

Ineligible Projects and Activities

• Greenways in excess of 20km
• Infrastructure for commercial activities
• Purchase or lease of land
• Legal fees
• Sport Ireland inspection fees
• Standalone outdoor gym or calisthenics projects
• Sculptures
• Motorised vehicles
• Sports grounds, traditional playgrounds, and Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)
• Works within town parks, marked street trails, walkways and cycleways within towns and villages, except where specifically permitted in the guidance
• Surfacing works to public roads, including tarring roads
• Refurbishment or construction of buildings except in very exceptional and limited circumstances where this would substantially improve public access
• Walking or running tracks in confined spaces such as around sports pitches or playgrounds
• Maintenance works already covered by the Walks Scheme
• Activities that do not comply with the definition of countryside or outdoor recreation
• Capacity building or training
• Ongoing operational costs
• Costs not directly related to the project
• Indirect administrative costs or organisation core costs
• Retrospective costs incurred before project approval
• VAT where applicants are registered for VAT
• Bank interest, fines, financial penalties, and legal dispute costs
• Sponsorship and charitable donations
• Depreciation and notional costs

Maintenance, Management and Insurance

Trails must be maintained once complete. The project proposer is responsible for all aspects of the project and should only proceed if fully committed to the long-term management, maintenance, and funding needs of the trail.

• Groups should liaise with Sport Ireland regarding registration on the National Trails Register.
• Trail registration provides access to the national trails insurance policy.
• Registration helps ensure that trails meet the required criteria and gives assurance to the public on trail quality.
• Registration can support marketing and inclusion on Sport Ireland trails listings and Ordnance Survey maps.
• Project developers are advised to attend Sport Ireland trail development courses and review relevant planning and trail development resources.
• Disability and age-friendly measures should be incorporated in line with Universal Design Principles wherever practicable.