Cork County Council is inviting expressions of interest from local community groups for projects under the 2026/2027 ORIS scheme.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has launched the 2026/2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with €20 million available nationally for investment in outdoor recreation amenities.
The scheme supports the development, enhancement and promotion of outdoor recreation infrastructure, including walking trails, looped walks, cycleways, mountain bike trails, mountain access routes, bridleways, Blueways, and recreational facilities at beaches, lakes, rivers and bogs.
Projects supported under the scheme should encourage outdoor recreation, sustainable tourism, health and wellbeing, inclusion, biodiversity, and improved access to Ireland’s natural amenities.
Cork County Council is now seeking Expressions of Interest to identify suitable projects across the county which may be considered for submission under the scheme.
Projects must demonstrate strong community engagement and should enhance or redevelop existing amenities, or support new opportunities to develop local natural resources. Applications should also align with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, and where applicable, relevant County Outdoor Recreation Plans and other regional or national strategies.
The scheme includes a number of funding measures:
Measure 1 – Small-Scale Projects
Funding of up to €40,000 at a 90% aid rate, for small scale outdoor recreation projects. Cork County Council may submit up to six applications under this measure plus one additional project located in a Gaeltacht area or offshore island.
Measure 2 – Medium-Scale Projects
Funding of up to €200,000 at a 90% aid rate, for medium scale projects, including new amenity development, repair, maintenance and upgrade. Cork County Council may submit up to three applications under this measure.
Measure 3 – Strategic Large-Scale Projects
Funding of up to €500,000 at a 90% aid rate, for larger strategic projects, including new development, significant extensions or upgrades to established trails, walkways, cycleways, Blueways, mountain access routes and other outdoor recreation facilities. Cork County Council may submit one application under this measure.
Project Development Measure
Funding is also available to support the detailed development of projects to make them ready for future ORIS applications. This may include design, planning, procurement preparation, ecological surveys, screenings and appropriate assessment.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan said, “We’re encouraging communities across Cork to bring forward strong, locally-driven projects that will enhance our outdoor amenities, support wellbeing, and help unlock the full potential of our natural resources with the backing of this significant national funding.”
Projects may receive up to 90% grant aid, with applicants required to provide a minimum 10% contribution.
Cork County Council can submit up to four prioritised applications with a combined value of €100,000 under this Measure. If sufficient demand and interest exist, it can submit one additional application for equestrian trails/bridleways up to €50,000. One additional application, up to €50,000, may be submitted under this Measure for a Gaeltacht area or offshore Island.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted to the relevant Municipal District Office by Friday, 24th of July 2026.
Further information on the scheme and Expression of Interest process is available from Cork County Council’s website, corkcoco.ie.
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