The construction of the proposed footpath/cycle track linking the villages of Carrigart and Downings is moving closer, according to Noel Mc Bride chairman of Moving Mevagh Forward.
Noel first put the idea forward in 2012 during his time as Mayor of Donegal when he invited local community groups Downings Tidy Towns, Carrigart Development Association, Moving Mevagh Forward, engineers from the roads dept. Of Donegal Co. Council. Representatives from Udaras na Gaeltacht to a meeting in the Golf Pavilion at Rosapenna.
The idea was given unanimous support and Donegal Co Council agreed to survey the proposed route and produced a preliminary design at that stage.
As part of the proposed 2.6km route was within an SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and NHA (Natural Heritage Area) a natural impact statement had to be carried out to ensure that natural habitats were protected.
This has now been completed by Woodrow Consultants, Sligo at a cost of €3,500.00 , €1500.00 contributed by Moving Mevagh Forward with the support of Udaras na Gaeltacht and €2000.00 contributed by Donegal Co. Council ).
The group thanked Bridget Keenan, Botanist for carrying out the assessment.
“Bridget may have been seen crawling along the grass verges of the proposed route in March of this year,” said Noel.
The findings of the Appropriate Assessment will be used for the final design of the project and the species identified will be the basis for proposed interpretive signage to be used.
An application for funding has now been submitted by Donegal Co. Council on behalf of the community groups to measure 3, outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme 2017 for just short of €300,000.00 and I am hopeful that our application will be successful.
The footpath / cycletrack linking the two villages is being developed to further enhance the existing links between Carrigart and Downings and to provide a safer environment for the many walkers, joggers and cyclists who currently use this stretch of road.
The final design of the proposed footpath / cycle track and drainage is currently being completed by the road design section of Donegal Co. Council.
The project will have a minimum width of approx. 3m with appropriate markings and signage indicating the shared nature of the footpath / cycletrack with a fine grit finish in accordance with Transport Infrastructure Ireland specifications.
Part 8 planning application will go before the members of Donegal Do. Council shortly and Noel said he is confident that it will be supported by all members.
“Our local community in the parish of Mevagh and many visitors to the area are fully supportive of the project firstly from a road safety perspective and secondly from a tourism marketing perspective for both villages and the surrounding areas, with the likes of Glenveigh National Park, Ards Forest Park, Doe Castle, Atlantic Drive, Mulroy Drive, Fanad Lighthouse this proposed project fits perfectly into the mix,” added Mr McBride.
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