An artist’s impression of a possible plan for the foot of Errigal.
Donegal County Council officials will met today to discuss possible improvement works at the foot of Errigal.
The meeting will take place between county councillor Micheal MacGiolla Easbuig and officials dealing with Community and Enterprise.
Councillor MacGiolla Easbuig said he hopes the plans will include a larger car park and better facilities for tourists and climbers alike.
“Such facilities would include tap water, benches, toilet facilities and a possible very small outlet selling tea and refreshments and also providing information of the area and climb itself.
“Signage on our road networks across the county directing people to the climb of Mount Errigal would also be beneficial for the area. I would also like to see included in this plan of works at the site a boardwalk from the carpark across the bog to access the mountain easier which would prevent climbers getting wet or falling while on the bogland,” he said.
He added he did not wish to see this as a large development.
“I believe this would only take away from the raw beauty which people are drawn to the area for. As in the artists impression you see here the works should be kept to a minimum, only providing the essentials for what is needed. I believe such a project and improvements on the site would be of huge benefit to locals and tourists alike and would attract even more tourism to the region.”
He willl also be requesting a meeting with Minister of Arts, Heritage and the Gaetacht Joe McHugh TD to discuss this plan and indeed tourism in the area in general.
“Glenveagh National Park which is only a short distance from Mount Errigal is a huge attraction for tourists from the North West area and further afield. I think it would be hugely beneficial to make the most of this attraction and do what we can to bring those who would travel to Glenveagh to make the journey that bit further west in Donegal, both to Mount Errigal and beyond to enjoy our beautiful coastline.
“While it is vital that we do what we can to make the most of the tourism potential of West Donegal I don’t believe it should be tourism at any cost. We should first and foremost look at doing the most we can but with the very least amount of impact on the scenery and environment which Donegal is world renowned for.
“Improving upon our areas most vital resource of tourism potential, an industry which can benefit so much of our people across the board, is something I feel we have to look at very seriously to help recover the area. Such plans will lead to the creation of sustainable employment in the region of West Donegal and with such plans we will be looking after our whole community and not just the interests of a few,” he added.
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