Council Leitrim update — 2026-06-15

Leitrim County Council has opened a call for Expressions of Interest under the new Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for 2026/27, announced by the Department of Rural & Community Development. The scheme aims to support outdoor recreational infrastructure and amenities in countryside areas across Ireland, with Leitrim inviting local groups and developers to submit proposals that could enhance parks, trails and sporting facilities.

In Dromahair, the community park at Friarstown is already set for a significant upgrade. Plans are underway to build two padel courts, each measuring twenty metres by ten metres. The courts will feature artificial turf surfaces with integrated drainage and concrete bases to allow year‑round play. Perimeter fencing of glass and steel mesh will rise four metres high, while LED lighting units mounted on columns between six and eight metres tall will enable evening use. Access pathways and net systems are also part of the design, providing a complete playing environment for residents and visitors.

Padel has grown in popularity across Ireland as a racquet sport that requires smaller courts than traditional tennis, offering an accessible alternative for players of varying skill levels. The Dromahair development represents an expansion of recreational offerings at the community park, aligning with the broader objectives of ORIS to improve countryside amenities.

The call for Expressions of Interest is open now; interested parties can find further details and submit their proposals through Leitrim County Council’s planning portal. While specific timelines for the scheme’s implementation remain unconfirmed, the initiative reflects a continued commitment by the council to enhance outdoor recreation across the county.

For more information on the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Dromahair padel project, see Leitrim County Council’s announcement at https://www.leitrim.ie/Council/News/2026-2027-Outdoor-Recreation-Infrastructure-Scheme-ORIS-Now-Open-.html.

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