MINISTER for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced amendments to the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) that will significantly increase access to funding for equestrian trails and bridleways. He made the announcement at the opening of a new ORIS funding round, where he outlined how local authorities will now be able to submit one additional application for equestrian trails or bridleways of up to €50,000 under the Project Development Measure of the ORIS scheme.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to be announcing this significant funding package today that will continue to deliver for the outdoor recreation sector. I am pleased to be providing greater flexibility to local authorities and local development companies to fund the predevelopment work required for new projects, including equestrian trails.”

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) welcomes this targeted focus on equestrian trails in the new ORIS funding round, and CEO Denis Duggan noted: “The inclusion of funding of up to €50,000 per project for bridleways and equestrian trails is a very positive development for the sport horse sector and the wider equestrian industry. In a survey carried out, there was a clear need for the trail development outlined, and investment and government support in equestrian trails and bridleways will support the demand and the substantial tourism potential associated with horse trails.”

In 2022, HSI and TREC Trails Ireland carried out a survey of equestrian participants, in which 82% of respondents said they regularly engaged in trail riding and hacking. Almost 75% said they do so on the road, despite a significant proportion of them stating they do not feel safe on the road. When asked if there was potential for equestrian trail development in their area, 82% of respondents answered positively.

Mr Duggan concluded: “There is significant untapped potential for the development of bridleways across the country, and Ireland has not yet capitalised on this opportunity compared to our neighbours in the UK and across Europe. We thank Minister Calleary for his engagement with HSI on behalf of the sector and for recognising the significant potential of equestrian trails to support rural communities and contribute to the growth of the sport horse sector. I would encourage any equine organisation, business or individual, who sees potential for an equestrian trail or bridleway in their area to engage with HSI and their local authority or local development company to explore these new opportunities under ORIS.”