Roscommon County Council is seeking expressions of interest from community groups for funding suitable projects under the 2026/2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The focus of ORIS is to support outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas that not only provides an outlet for the communities in which they are situated, but also delivers added value from a tourism perspective.  Projects that align with The National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2027 and Roscommon Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2028 will be considered.

Proposals typically funded by ORIS include walkways, cycleways, blueways, water and cycle trails, mountain access routes, bridleways, and open water amenities at bogs, rivers and lakes.  It does not include activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, and show-jumping) or motorised activities (such as quads/scramblers).  As a consequence such activities are not eligible for funding under ORIS.

 2026/2027 ORIS Scheme Measures

NOTE: 

• All necessary consent must be in place at the time of making a funding application i.e. planning permissions, landowner consents, insurance etc.
• Match funding will be required from the group for the successful project.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Further information and forms are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie/regenerationor by emailing placeshaping@roscommoncoco.ie.
• Completed expression of interest forms must be returned via email to placeshaping@roscommoncoco.iebefore 12 noon on Friday 7th August 2026.
• A webinar on ORIS will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday 1st July 2026. Please register using the Eventbrite link https://tinyurl.com/ycyv9ukh.    

• Measure 1 Application Form
• Measure 2 & 3 Application Form
• Project Development Measure Application Form 
• Scheme Outline

Expressions of interest received after this date and time will not be considered for the 2026/2027 scheme. All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria. Selected expression of interest applications will be developed into detailed bids for consideration for the 2026/2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.