A large team of local volunteers turned out to clear rubbish from the old railway line between the former Dunfanaghy and Falcarragh station sites, in advance of the Coastal Cancer Challenge.
This race which will take place on Saturday next the 21st of July will see competitors complete a 12km cross country run, 2 km sea kayak, a mountain hike of 3km, two cycling stints of 17 and 24km.
Proceeds raised from this event will be going towards Relay for Life Donegal – Irish Cancer Society, Action Breast Cancer – Irish Cancer Society, Donegal Hospice and Letterkenny Rugby Club.
The Coastal Cancer Challenge will take in some of the most amazing scenery in Ireland on its circuit around Northwest Donegal. One of the cycle sections will run along the old Lough Swilly Railway that was part of the clean up on Saturday.
The railway line was a vital mode of transportation for a half a century with regular services between Letterkenny and Burtonport running from 1903 to 1953. It connected the coastal areas of Northwest Donegal with the extensive rail network throughout Ireland at the time, before the advent of better roads.
Although the steel of the rails and bridges have long since been scrapped the lines remain largely intact and passable on foot. Community groups have begun to reclaim parts of the line. Hopefully the future will see these areas extended and linked to create an amazing local amenity and superb tourist attraction.
Unfortunately some parts of the line, such as the stretch between Falcarragh and Dunfanaghy, have been used for the fly tipping of domestic waste creating an ugly eyesore for passers-by. The gathering and disposal of this rubbish is to be greatly welcomed with much thanks to all those involved.
In addition to the army of volunteers gathered the garbage on the day, the clean up was supported by Donegal County Council who provided refuse sacks, litter pickers, and a lorry to haul rubbish away.
Michael McGarvey, who if from Falcarragh and is a Senior Engineer with the Council was on hand to coordinate the work. Some local businesses also generously supported the enterprise with Muckish Sand & Gravel providing a JCB to lift and tip the waste, and Ferry’s Refuse supplying a skip for disposal.
For More Information on the Coastal Cancer Challenge go to www.coastalcancerchallenge.com
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