Ballyhoura Development CLG has been awarded funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to carry out the scoping and assessment of five potential sites for the development of pump track facilities across the Ballyhoura Region.

This was an identified action arising from the Ballyhoura Trails Masterplan published in 2024. Outscape are the appointed consultant leading this process for Ballyhoura Development across the Ballyhoura Region.

As part of this process, a stakeholder engagement event was held on 26 February 2026, bringing together community groups, local stakeholders and technical experts. The session explored key considerations in planning and developing community pump tracks, including:

• Understanding pump tracks – what they are, how they work, and how communities of all ages use them.
• Space requirements – the importance of identifying sites with adequate size and layout potential.
• Ground and site conditions – essential factors for safe and effective construction.
• Ideal locations – particularly sites easily accessible for children and young people without requiring car transport.
• Community ownership and maintenance – the value of having a local group or organisation to support light, ongoing care of the facility.
• Safety and insurance considerations.
• Overview of the Expression of Interest process for communities wishing to be considered for a site assessment.

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Expression of Interest Now Open

Community groups across the Ballyhoura Region are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be considered for a site assessment and feasibility study for pump track development.

Guidance Notes and video are available here to support completion of the survey expression of interest form:

Expression of Interest Form
Deadline for submission: 26 April 2026

For further enquiries, please contact:

• Mike Cleary, Ballyhoura Development Rural Recreation Officer, [email protected]
• Claire McKernon, Outscape Consultant, [email protected]