Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme – Call for expressions of interest
Waterford City & County Council will administer the 2023 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 and Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2027.
In line with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, outdoor recreation is defined as activities that take place in the natural environment, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming. It does not include activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, and show-jumping) or motorised activities (such as quads/scramblers). As a consequence such activities are not eligible for funding under ORIS.
Maximum Grant Amount Available: Up to €30,000 (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 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. A key focus of the scheme will be on the small-scale repair/development/promotion and marketing of already existing trails and outdoor recreation infrastructure in Co. Waterford. For more detail see: www.visitwaterfordtrails.com
Waterford City & County Council now seeks expressions of interest from trail development/community groups for funding of suitable projects under this initiative. Expression of interest form and the scheme’s outline can be obtained by e-mailing outdoorrecreation@waterfordcouncil.ie
Completed expression of interest forms must be returned by email only to outdoorrecreation@waterfordcouncil.ie before 5.00pm Friday 7th July 2023. Expressions of interest received after this date and time will not be considered for the 2023 scheme. All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria. Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2023 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
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