624. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if the €20 million fund to support outdoor recreation in rural areas is open to communities under the authority of city councils; if not, when similar funds that will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54691/26]

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding under several measures for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland. This includes walking trails, cycleways, mountain access routes and facilities at rivers, lakes and beaches.

While the funding is for countryside areas, funding is also available for projects in towns that connect with significant outdoor recreation facilities such as a greenway or forest trail. Projects located within any of the five main city boundaries are not eligible under the scheme. I have no plans to expand the scheme into city areas at this time.

Details of ORIS and funded projects can be found on my Department's website.