HSI engagement with the Department delivers progress on bridleway funding
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has welcomed amendments to the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) that will significantly increase access to funding for equestrian trails and bridleways. The announcement was made at the opening of a new ORIS funding round by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.
Minister Calleary outlined that local authorities will now be able to submit one additional application for equestrian trails/bridleways of up to €50,000 under the Project Development Measure of the ORIS scheme which will allow development of equestrian projects to enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or Measure 3 of ORIS.
Speaking on the announcement, Minister Calleary said:
“I am delighted to be announcing this significant funding package today that will continue to deliver for the outdoor recreation sector.”
“I am pleased to be providing greater flexibility to local authorities and local development companies to fund the predevelopment work required for new projects, including for equestrian trails.
Welcoming the ORIS scheme, HSI CEO Denis Duggan said:
“The inclusion of funding up to €50,000 per project for bridleways and equestrian trails as part of ORIS is a very positive development for the sport horse sector and the wider equine industry.”
“Horse Sport Ireland has been engaging with Minister Calleary and his department over recent months to advocate for a dedicated funding stream for bridleways under ORIS.”
“HSI has worked with and listened to our recreation stakeholders on the needs required to further supports for Ireland’s recreational equine sector.”
Mr Duggan continued;
“In a survey carried out there was a clear need for trail development outlined, and investment and government support in equestrian trails and bridleways will support the demand and the substantial tourism potential associated with horse trails.”
“There is significant untapped potential for the development of bridleways across the country, and Ireland has not yet fully capitalised on this opportunity compared to our neighbours in the UK and across Europe.”
Mr Duggan outlined that feasibility work supported under the Project Development Measure could unlock access to funding of up to €500,000 in future ORIS rounds. This announcement represents an important first step in building a bridleway network, where local authorities identify opportunities for equestrian trails while not detracting from other trail projects competing for funding.
The new ORIS 2026–2027 policy also introduces a targeted focus on equestrian trails. Local authorities will be encouraged to engage with local development companies and state bodies to identify opportunities – projects developed in partnership will be prioritised.
Mr Duggan added:
“We thank Minister Calleary for his engagement with HSI on behalf of the sector and for recognising the significant potential of equestrian trails to support rural communities and contribute to the growth of the sport horse sector.”
“I would encourage any equine organisation, business or individual who sees potential for an equestrian trail / bridleway in their area to engage with HSI and their local authority or local development company to explore these new opportunities under ORIS,” concluded Mr. Duggan.
Details: ORIS Project Development Measure – Equestrian Trails/Bridleways
- Detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or Measure 3 of ORIS.
- If sufficient interest and demand exist, one additional application focussing on equestrian trails/bridleways up to €50,000. https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/c8441f61/ORIS_Scheme_Outline_2026_2027.pdf
- Closing date for applications: September 25th 2026
- Local authorities may hold their own expression of interest process which will have a separate closing date set the local authority itself.
Notes:
In 2022 HSI in partnership with TREC Trails Ireland carried out a comprehensive survey of equestrian participants with 82% of respondents saying they engaged regularly in Trail Riding / Hacking. Almost three quarters of respondents do so on the road despite a significant proportion advising that they do not feel save on the road. In the survey, participants were asked if there was a potential for equestrian trail development in their area with 82% of respondents advising that there was.