Mt. Melleray Abbey in Co. Waterford, a 200-year-old site of deep historical and spiritual significance, has sadly closed. However, the scenic Mt. Melleray Pilgrim Paths remain open to the public, ensuring continued access to this iconic West Waterford landmark.
SETU Arena, Carriganore X91 XD96 | 29th Jan | 7:30-9:00 PM The Park Hotel, Dungarvan X35 CC97 | 30th Jan | 7:30-9:00 PM
Register today: https://forms.office.com/e/Y33zPg2Jgh
Waterford Leader Partnership Clg. will administer the 2024/2025 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. ORIS is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and is a key initiative of Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 and Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2027.
In line with Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, outdoor recreation is defined as activities that take place in the natural environment, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming. It does not include activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, and showjumping) or motorised activities (such as quads/scramblers). Therefore, such activities are not eligible for funding under ORIS.
The focus of ORIS is to support outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland that not only provides an outlet for the communities in which they are situated but also delivers added value from a tourism perspective.
2024/2025 ORIS Scheme Measure 1
| Measure | Description | Grant Amount |
| Measure 1 | Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing |
Up to €40,000
|
Match Funding Requirement: Trail Management Organisations/Community Groups must provide 10% of their overall project costs as match funding.
Waterford Leader Partnership CLG now seeks expressions of interest from Trail Management Organisations (TMOs)/community groups for funding of suitable projects under this initiative. Expression of interest forms can be downloaded ORIS EOI Form WLP 2024 or obtained by e-mailing niamh.mcguinness@wlp.ie.
All those submitting an expression of interest form should, in the first instance make themselves aware of the scheme outlines and guidelines available ORIS 2024 Outline WLP, particularly regarding their proposal’s eligibility.
Completed expression of interest forms must be emailed to niamh.mcguinness@wlp.ie before 5.00pm Friday 22nd November 2024. Expressions of interest received after this date and time will not be considered for the 2024/2025 scheme. All applications will be subject to a selection process using National Criteria.
Waterford Leader Partnership CLG can submit a maximum of three Measure 1 projects, in accordance with ORIS guidelines. Expressions of interest that are selected by Waterford Leader Partnership will be further developed with groups into detailed project proposals for consideration under ORIS 2024/2025. Please note that the Measure 1 projects submitted by Waterford Leader Partnership are independent from those submitted by Waterford City and County Council under the same scheme.
RÉAMHFHÓGRA MAIDIR LE SPRIOCGHAIRM I GCOMHAIR CISTIÚ
Waterford LEADER Partnership has funded essential repairs to the popular St. Declan’s Way trail, via the Department of Rural and Community Development Walks Scheme.
A section of St. Declan’s Way in Cush of Grange, Co. Waterford had been experiencing significant drainage issues, causing the trail to be wet, muddy and unpleasant for walkers.
To solve this, Waterford LEADER Partnership has funded the drainage and repair works on this trail via the Walks Scheme. Sections of the trail have been resurfaced, side drains have been cleared and a piped cross drain has been added to prevent further drainage issues on this section of the trail.
Waterford LEADER Partnership secured €10,000 funding for St. Declan’s Way in 2023 via the Department of Rural and Community Development Walks Scheme Development Fund. This contributed to the repairs required on the trail.
Over 50 landowners are currently supported by Waterford LEADER Partnership via the Walks Scheme, to maintain the sections of trails which pass through their land.
The Walks Scheme contributes to the maintenance and development of walking and hiking trails across Co. Waterford, benefiting rural communities and economies.
For example, St. Declan’s Way attracts thousands of walkers each year and was recently described by the Irish Times as the “Irish Camino”.
Click here to read more about the St. Declan’s Way feature in the Irish Times.
Waterford LEADER Partnership will be supporting 12 more trails across Co. Waterford, in addition to St. Declan’s Way and the Anne Valley Walk in Dunhill, as the following trails will be joining the Walks Scheme this year:
