Galway County Council now invites applications for the 2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Applicants/Groups are encouraged to review projects funded in previous years to get an understanding of the diverse types of projects eligible. Lists of projects funded previously are available at Gov.ie

Selection of projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2021 will be by means of a competitive process.

Measure 1,2,3 – Must be ready to go Projects – all permissions/consents in place.

Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing

Grant Amounts: Up to €20,000.  Deadline for 5pm 9^th June, 2021

Eligible Applicants: Local Authorities and Local Development Companies.

Maximum Number of Projects: 

• A maximum of 7 applications may be submitted per Local Authority.
• A maximum of 3 applications may be submitted per Local Development Company.

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, cycleways, greenways, 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.

Grant Amounts: Up to €200,000.

Deadline: 5pm 5^th July, 2021

Maximum Number of Projects: A maximum of 3 applications may be submitted by each Local Authority.

Eligible Applicants: Local Authorities.

Eligible Activity: Medium scale projects that are in line with the objectives and focus of the Scheme.  This includes, but is not limited to, extensions/upgrades to already established trails, walkways, cycleways, greenways, blueways or other recreational facilities at bogs, rivers, lakes or beaches. Projects can also include works for the enhancement, repair or promotion of such infrastructure, or for improved access to recreational infrastructure or the development of new trails, walkways, cycleways, local greenways, blueways or other recreational facilities. Projects should, where possible, indicate how they are inclusive of people with disabilities and older adults.

Projects should indicate, where applicable, linkages with regional or national strategic initiatives, policies or plans e.g. Beara Breifne Way or Shannon Masterplan.  

Grant amounts: Up to €500,000.

Deadline: 5pm 5^th July, 2021

Maximum Number of Projects: Local Authorities and State Bodies will be confined to 1 application each under this Measure.

Eligible Applicants: Local Authorities and State Bodies

Eligible Activity: Strategic large scale projects that are in line with the objectives and focus of the Scheme.  This could include projects such as the development of new larger-scale recreational infrastructure, or resources to complete larger scale/longer term developments, as well as significant repair and maintenance on already established trails, walkways, cycleways, greenways, blueways or recreational amenities at bogs, rivers, lakes and beaches. Projects should, where possible, indicate how they are inclusive of people with disabilities and older adults.

Projects should indicate, where applicable, linkages with regional or national strategic initiatives, policies or plans e.g. Beara Breifne Way or Shannon Masterplan. 

Grant amounts: Up to €50,000.

Deadline: 5pm 5^th July, 2021

Eligible Applicants: Local Authorities

Maximum Number of Projects: Local Authorities will be confined to 1 application each under this Measure.

Eligible Activity: This new Measure for 2021, provided on a trial basis, will provide funding for the detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or 3 of ORIS. Such work might encompass detailed design, preparation for the planning and/or procurement, appropriate assessment etc.

 Funding approved under this project development Measure is solely for the completion of the development and design stage of a project to enable it to reach readiness for a future application under Measure 2 or 3 of ORIS.

For any queries relating to  Application Forms and Queries

Please Contact:

[email protected] – Bernie Donnellan 091 509578

Application Forms and Guidelines; 

Scheme Outline – ORIS 2021

Assessment Considerations Table 2021 – Please complete

M1 Application Form ORIS 2021

M2M3 Application form 2021

Section 5 – Declaration of Exempted Development

Copy of Applications overview LA and LDC

Project Dev Measure Application form ORIS 2021