Waterford City & County Council is seeking expressions of interest from trail management organisations and community groups for the 2026/2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The scheme supports outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas, including projects such as walkways, cycleways, blueways, water and cycle trails, mountain access routes, bridleways and open-water amenities. While ORIS is not a farm payment scheme, it is relevant to rural communities, landowners and groups involved in access, trails and countryside amenities around Waterford.
Completed expression of interest forms must be submitted before 17:00 on Monday, 13 July 2026. Waterford City & County Council has advised that expressions of interest received after that date and time will not be considered for the 2026/2027 scheme.
| Measure | Project type | Grant amount listed by Council |
|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 | Small-scale repair, development, promotion and marketing | Up to €40,000 |
| Measure 2 | Medium-scale repair, upgrade and new trail or amenity development | Up to €200,000 |
| Measure 3 | Strategic large-scale repair, upgrade and new strategic trail or amenity development | Up to €500,000 |
| Project Development Measure | Development costs for strategic large-scale projects | Up to €50,000 |
Why it matters locally
The Kilmacthomas area sits close to the Waterford Greenway, the Comeragh Mountains and a number of rural walking and access routes. Projects involving trails, outdoor amenities or countryside access can affect local residents, farmers, landowners, visitors and community organisations.
Waterford City & County Council says proposed projects should align with the Waterford Outdoor Recreation Plan 2026–2030. Community groups considering an application should review the scheme information carefully and make sure any proposal is eligible before submitting an expression of interest.
Source and further information
Further details are available from Waterford City & County Council: Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme — Call for Community Group EOIs.