Written answer
Departmental Budgets
ORIS funding has risen to €17 million, and a further 10% increase would cost €1.7 million, subject to available departmental funding.
4255. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if the budget for the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme increased by 10%, the estimated cost in 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55396/26]
Comment on this
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.
Funding for the ORIS programme has increased from €10 million in 2020 to its current allocation of €17 million. An increase of 10% would require an additional provision of €1.7 million.
I will continue to keep the budget for ORIS under review in the overall context of available funding for my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme.