The Rural Support Schemes include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) and the CLÁR Scheme.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are being sought for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), Town & Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) for 2026.
This is an opportunity for community groups to express an interest in projects that they feel would benefit their communities.
EOIs will be assessed against relevant criteria when schemes are announced by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The EOI’s will enter a competitive process to be considered to go forward for full
funding applications. Detailed scheme information and the online EOI application are available on the Westmeath Rural Support Schemes page in the Community Development section of our website.
For assistance, contact the Community Development Section at 044 933 8969, 044 933 2196, or by emailing: rss@westmeathcoco.ie
The closing date for receipt of EOIs is Thursday 30th July at 4.00PM
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland.
ORIS 2026 provides funding for the following:
Full details of the Scheme can be found here Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme webpage

Previously Funded Projects

Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary launched the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme which is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland and to build greater resilience in to our town centres through regeneration projects.
The Fund will support projects throughout Ireland with a focus on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration through sustainable employment creation.
Further Information can be found here Town and Village Renewal Scheme webpage
Projects will align with the objectives of the government policies Our Rural Future, Town Centre First and Our Living Islands with a focus on:
Previously Funded projects
EOI IS CLOSED
CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a focused investment initiative for rural Ireland, offering financial support for small infrastructure projects in areas significantly impacted by population decline. This funding aims to strengthen the resilience of the rural communities.
The 2026 programme is divided intho three measures which cover the different initiatives supported by the scheme.
CLÁR 2025 Approved Projects

Previously Funded projects
Useful Links:
Community Development Section
Westmeath County Council
Áras an Chontae
Mount Street, Mullingar N91 FH4N
Phone: 044 9332196, 044 9338969 or 044 9332258
Email: rss@westmeathcoco.ie