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.”