SECAD Partnership is inviting expressions of interest from community groups interested in securing funding under either the Measure 1, the Measure 2 or the Project Development Measure of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/27.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas.
Measure 1 Projects: Small Scale Repair/Maintenance/Development/Promotion and Marketing
- Measure 1 Eligible Activities: Small scale projects that are in line with the objectives and focus of the Scheme. This includes, but is not limited to, the upkeep, repair, maintenance and development of trails, walkways, mountain access routes, cycleways, blueways, recreational facilities at bogs, rivers, lakes and beaches, natural play areas that form part of a larger outdoor recreation project and the promotion and marketing of such infrastructure. Projects should, where possible, indicate how they are inclusive of people with disabilities and older adults.
- SECAD is eligible to submit 3 applications for funding to the Dept. of Rural & Community Development and The Gaeltacht for Measure 1 projects
- Projects can seek grant aid up to €40,000 for small scale Repair/Maintenance/Development/Promotion and Marketing.
- The expression of interest form can be accessed here.
- Indicative Project Completion Date: All projects must be finished and drawdown of funding completed with 18 months of approval.
Measure 2 Projects: Medium Scale Repair/Maintenance/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development
- Measure 2 Eligible Activities: Medium scale projects that are in line with the objectives and focus of the Scheme. This includes, but is not limited to, the development of new recreational infrastructure, extensions/upgrades to already established trails, walkways, mountain access routes, cycleways, blueways, water or cycle trails or other recreational facilities at bogs, rivers, lakes or beaches. Projects can also include works for the repair, maintenance or promotion of such infrastructure.
- In addition to alignment with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors and County Outdoor Recreation Plans, projects should indicate, where applicable, linkages with regional or national strategic initiatives, policies or plans e.g. Destination Experience Development Plans.
- SECAD is eligible to submit 1 application for funding to the Dept. of Rural & Community Development and The Gaeltacht for Measure 2 projects
- Projects can seek grant aid up to €200,000 for medium scale Repair/Maintenance/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development
- The expression of interest form can be accessed here.
- Indicative Project Completion Date: All projects must be finished and drawdown of funding completed with 24 months of approval.
Project Development Measure (PDM): Development Costs for Outdoor Recreation Projects
- The Project Development Measure will provide funding for the detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard (be shovel ready) for application under future rounds of ORIS. Such work might encompass detailed design, screenings, preparation for planning and/or procurement, appropriate assessment, ecological surveys etc.
- The overall aim for the investment under this Measure should be for the development of projects that are of a scale that may be funded under a future Measure 1, 2 or 3 application, or developed in two phases under such Measures i.e. projects with an expected delivery cost of less than €1 million (that are in line with the objectives and focus of this Scheme).
- SECAD is eligible to submit up to 3 prioritised (1-3) projects to the Dept. of Rural & Community Development and The Gaeltacht under this Measure with a combined total of up to €70,000.
- The expression of interest form can be accessed here.
The guidelines for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme can be accessed here.
Applications will be submitted by SECAD Partnership to the Dept. of Rural & Community Development and The Gaeltacht on behalf of the projects selected.
Completed expression of interest forms should be submitted to eryan@secad.ie. Eligible Expressions of Interest will be invited to submit a full application.
Closing Date: Monday, 10th August 2026
If you require any further information, please email: eryan@secad.ie
