Outdoor Recreation in Fingal
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2026/2027
Fingal County Council will administer the 2026/2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. ORIS is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 and Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2027.
The focus of ORIS is to support outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland that not only provides an outlet for the communities in which they are situated but also delivers added value from a tourism perspective. Projects typically funded by ORIS include walkways, cycleways, blueways, water and cycle trails, mountain access routes, bridleways, and open water amenities at bogs, rivers, lakes and beaches, including tidal pools.
2026/27 ORIS Scheme Measures:
| Measure | Description | Maximum Funding | Rate of Aid | Closing Date |
| Measure 1 | Small-scale repair, development, promotion, and marketing | Up to €40,000 | 90% | 31/07/2026, 5PM |
| Measure 2 | Medium-scale repair, upgrade, and new trail/amenity development | Up to €200,000 | 90% | 30/09/2026, 5PM |
| Measure 3 | Large-scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development | Up to €500,000 | 90% |
30/09/2026, 5PM
|
| Project Development Measure | Detailed project development to bring proposals to a standard suitable for Measure 2 or 3 applications | Up to €100,000 | 90% |
31/07/2026, 5PM
|
Completed Expression of Interest forms must be returned by email only to e%63%6fnd%[email protected] " rel="nofollow"> [email protected]
Once received, your proposal will be evaluated by the County Outdoor Recreation Committee.
Please ensure that any projects proposed have been discussed with the Council prior to submission.
Further information available here:
For queries, please email: [email protected]
Application Forms
County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Fingal’s County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2025 - 2030 sets out a clear and sustainable vision for enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities across the county. It aims to support healthy lifestyles, protect our natural environment, and improve access to high-quality recreational spaces for residents and visitors alike. Through careful planning and engagement, the Plan identifies key priorities, actions, and projects that will guide the development of outdoor amenities over the coming years.
The full County Outdoor Recreation Plan and accompanying environmental assessments are available below:
County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2025 - 2030
Screening Reports
Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Reports
Screening Determination
Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Determination
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Determination