Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas.

The ORIS 2026/2027 Scheme is now open.

Measure 1 and Project Development Measure, completed expression of interest forms must be submitted by close of business on the 7th of August 2026.

Measure 2 & 3 Expression of Interest form to be completed by the 9th of October 2026

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

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 county side areas across Ireland. Projects typically funded by ORIS include walkways, cycleways, blue ways, water and cycle trails, mountain access routes, bridleways and open water amenities at bogs, rivers, lakes and beaches, including tidal pools.

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 ORIS 2026/2027 Scheme is now open.

Measure 1 and Project Development Measure, completed expression of interest forms must be submitted by close of business on the 7th of August 2026.

Measure 2 & 3 completed expression of interest forms to be submitted by the 9th of October 2026.

All expression of Interest forms must be submitted in word format

Measure 1 Expression of Interest form, to be submitted by close of business on the 7th of August (MSWORD, 274.79 kb)

Measure 1 Expression of Interest form, in Irish, to be completed by close of business on the 7th of August (MSWORD, 213.22 kb)

Measure 2 &3 Expression of Interest form to be submitted by close of business on the 9th of October 2026 (MSWORD, 258.33 kb)

Measure 2 & 3 Expression of Interest, in Irish, to be completed by the 9th of October 2026 (MSWORD, 195.23 kb)

Project Development Measure expression of interest to be submitted by close of business 7th of August. (MSWORD, 246.51 kb)

Project Development Measure, in Irish, expression of Interest to be submitted by close of Business 7th of August (MSWORD, 185.59 kb)

ORIS Scheme Outline 2026-2027 (PDF, 832.27 kb)

ORIS Scheme outline 2026/2027 in Irish (PDF, 835.34 kb)

If you have any queries on the scheme, you can contact the Rural Regeneration team in Meath County Council through ruralregeneration@meathcoco.ie

The Scheme is delivered under four Measures as outlined below. The level of funding, project scale, and eligible applicants vary under each Measure.

Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing: Maximum Funding €40,000
Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development: Maximum Funding €200,000
Measure 3: Strategic Large-Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development: Maximum funding €500,000
Project Development Measure: funds detailed development of projects through detailed planning, design and preparation for procurement which would enable them to reach a standard (be shovel ready) : Maximum funding: up to €100,000

Local authorities, Local Development Companies, State Bodies.

As set out in the scheme details, projects with evidence of strong community engagement will be prioritised.

The scheme does not include greenways in excess of 20km, sports grounds, traditional playgrounds, multi use games area, stand alone outdoor gym, motorised vehicles, walking or running tracks located in confined spaces e.g. around sports pitches or playgrounds, or within other sports grounds, refurbishment and construction of buildings, this list is not exhaustive please see scheme outline for list of ineligible projects/cost.

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

The maximum ORIS grant level has been set at 90% of the total cost of a project.

The remaining 10% match funding must be contributed by the successful applicant (i.e. Local Authority) and or the Community Group or Philanthropic contributions

Littlewoods Forest Trail approved for €39,600 to do assessments, surveys etc to bring to planning stage works to develop existing trail.

Balrath woods approved for €39,600 to upgrade the existing walking trails in Balrath woods
Deerpark walking trail approved for funding for €39,600 to upgrade the 1.8 walkway to include widening, surfacing works and upgrade of carpark.
Hill of Lloyd, Kells approved for funding for €40,000 to repair fencing and the replacement of kissing gates along the walking trail on the hill of Llyod
Navan to Lakelands Greenway approved for €40,000 to upgrade the surface along the greenway between two crossing at Glackenstown and Knightstown

Ratoath River Walk Extension approved for €200,000 to extend the Ratoath Broadmeadow riverwalk, with the construction of shared pedestrian and cycle surface
Ratoath Riverwalk upgrade approved for €200,000 to upgrade the existing Ratoath Broadmeadow riverwalk

Below are samples of projects underway, which have been funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the ORIS scheme.

Meath County Council project manages and administers all approved applications.

Balrath Woods

Approved for funding in 2023 for €27,000 to upgrade the entrance. Meath County Council contributed approximately 10% to the total project costs.

Below are samples of projects completed under the ORIS scheme which have been funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Kilmainhamwood Riverwalk upgrade

Approved for funding 2023 for €28,800 to upgrade the walkway. Meath County Council contributed approximately 10% to the total project costs.

The Hazel and Holly Trail

Close to Enfield Harbour on the Royal Canal Greenway, approved for funding in 2022 for €93,600. Meath County Council contributed approximately 10% to the total project costs.

Kilmainhamwood Footpath to Whitewood Lake

Approved for ORIS funding in 2022 for €200,000. Meath County Council contributed approximately 10% of the total project costs.

Girley Bog Loop Walk

Approved for ORIS funding in 2020 for €19,935 to upgrade the entrance. Meath County Council contributed approximately 10% of the total project costs.

Rathmullan Walkway and Cycleway

Approved for funding in 2020 for €145,118 providing walkway/cycleway linkage from Communities on the Rathmullen road to the Boyne Boardwalk along the river Boyne. Meath County Council contributed approximately 10% of the total project costs.