Fresh support is on the table for communities looking to enhance outdoor amenities across the county. In a notable Dublin news update, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is encouraging local groups and stakeholders to explore funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), a programme aimed at improving how people enjoy nature, activity trails and water-based recreation.
The scheme is designed to back both new and existing outdoor recreation projects in mainly rural areas. That includes investment in walking routes, hiking facilities, cycling infrastructure and kayaking-related amenities, as well as repairs, maintenance and promotional work that can help more people access these spaces safely and sustainably.
Dublin news: What the ORIS funding supports
The latest call highlights the council’s intention to work closely with community organisations and delivery partners to strengthen outdoor recreation along the county’s coastal and rural-linked areas. While ORIS is focused primarily on rural settings, some projects linked to towns and villages may also qualify.
- New outdoor recreation infrastructure
- Upgrades to existing trails and activity spaces
- Maintenance and repair of established amenities
- Promotion of recreation assets for residents and visitors
- Projects supporting walking, cycling, hiking and kayaking
The wider goal is to make better use of local natural assets while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles. There is also a strong local economic angle, as improved amenities can boost visitor appeal and strengthen tourism-related activity, an important theme for Dublin business and regional development.
Which projects may be eligible?
According to the council, proposed initiatives should generally be located in rural areas rather than within a town or village centre. However, funding may also be available for:
- Projects that connect a town to nearby outdoor recreation facilities in a rural area
- Initiatives near rivers or lakes
- Water-based projects located in towns
That makes the scheme potentially relevant to a wide range of community-led proposals, especially those that improve access, safety and visitor experience.
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Why this matters for local communities
For local residents, the funding opportunity is about more than infrastructure. Better outdoor facilities can support physical wellbeing, increase community use of public spaces and make natural amenities more inclusive. For visitors, upgraded routes and recreation hubs can create a stronger destination experience across the county.
This kind of place-based investment also fits into a broader conversation around how communities in Ireland attract visitors, support local enterprise and improve quality of life. As interest grows in themes like Study in ireland and Work in ireland, the value of well-maintained public amenities becomes even more visible for people considering living, learning or spending time in the country.
How to express interest
Groups interested in pursuing funding are being invited to submit an expression of interest through the council’s designated form. Supporting documents for the 2026–2027 scheme, including application forms and guidance notes for different measures, have also been made available by the local authority.
Anyone seeking further details can contact the Capital Delivery Team by email at capitaldelivery@dlrcoco.ie.
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Key takeaway
This Dublin news development offers a practical opportunity for communities in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to improve outdoor recreation spaces and unlock long-term social and economic benefits. For local groups with ideas around trails, water access or activity infrastructure, now is the time to review the ORIS criteria and submit an expression of interest.
