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Outdoor Recreation Scheme

Funding for outdoor amenities in three tiers: up to €40,000 for small repairs and promotion, up to €200,000 for medium projects, and up to €500,000 for large strategic ones, with a further €50,000 available towards developing a big project. Grants cover up to 90% of the cost.

Last checked July 2026

What it is

Funds walking trails, greenways, blueways and other outdoor amenities in the countryside, in tiers from €40,000 up to €500,000. Applied for by your local authority or a state body, so community groups bring the project to them.

Who can get it

The project is outdoor recreation in the countryside: a walkway, cycleway, greenway, blueway, trail, mountain access route or amenity at a bog, river, lake or beach
You are a local authority, or a community group working with your local authority or a state body such as Coillte or Waterways Ireland
You can meet the 10% match funding (the scheme covers up to 90% of the cost)

Good to know

There are three main measures: up to €40,000 (small), up to €200,000 (medium) and up to €500,000 (large strategic), plus up to €50,000 towards developing a large project.
Applications come through local authorities and state bodies, so a community group brings its trail or amenity idea to them rather than applying directly.
It funds new infrastructure and the repair, upgrade and promotion of existing trails and amenities.

How to apply

Applications go through DRCD. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.

Go to the official page →

Checked against the official source on 25 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.

Questions people ask

How much can the Outdoor Recreation Scheme fund?

Three tiers: up to €40,000 for small works, up to €200,000 for medium projects and up to €500,000 for large strategic ones, plus up to €50,000 towards developing a big project. It covers up to 90% of the cost.

What does it fund?

Walkways, cycleways, greenways, blueways, trails, mountain access routes and amenities at bogs, rivers, lakes and beaches, both new and the upgrade of existing ones.

Who applies?

Local authorities and state bodies like Coillte and Waterways Ireland. A community group brings its project idea to them rather than applying directly.

How do I get a project funded?

Talk to the outdoor recreation or rural development section of your local authority, since they submit the application. Check the official page for the current call.

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