South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from community and local partnership groups for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/2027. The call gives groups the chance to propose projects that will benefit local communities.

ORIS supports the development and maintenance of outdoor recreation facilities for activities including walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming.

Projects should mainly be located in the countryside, outside the environs of towns and villages. However, the scheme can fund infrastructure linking a town to significant outdoor recreation sites in the countryside. Amenities beside rivers and lakes, as well as water-based projects within town limits, are also eligible.

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SDCC is administering the scheme, which is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). Further details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/services/outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme/

To submit an EOI, complete the Expression of Interest Form and email the finished form to [email protected]. Form link: view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fsdcc.ie%2Fen%2Fservices%2Fenvironment%2Foutdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme-oris-%2Foris-eoi-form.docx

As SDCC can submit a limited number of applications to DRCDG, EOIs will be initially assessed against the 2026/2027 scheme criteria based on the information provided in the form.

Closing dates for EOIs are: Project Development Measure and Measure 1 — Friday 17 July 2026; Measure 2 and Measure 3 — Friday 14 August 2026. Queries can be sent to [email protected].