The potential for developing the EuroVelo cycle network along the Wild Atlantic Way will be high on the agenda next week when delegates from France, Spain, Portugal, Norway, UK and Belgium visit Letterkenny for the Atlantic on Bike project seminar.
EuroVelo is a network of 15 long distance cycle routes connecting and uniting the whole European continent and can be used by cycle tourists as well as by local people making daily journeys.
Donegal County Council is working with partners from Sligo and Mayo to advance the EuroVelo cycle route along the Wild Atlantic Way.
This will involve the erection of signage at various locations and within Donegal the project will connect Bridgend to Derry as part of the North West Greenways Network and on the southern border, Bundoran will be connected to Leitrim.
This is being undertaken as part of the €4.5m INTERREG funded Atlantic On Bike project which aims to increase visitor numbers, boost local economies and create new jobs through the promotion of cycling as a tourism product. Donegal County Council is one of 22 European Partners involved in this three year project.
Delegates will participate in the EuroVelo Route Inspectors Training Course on Monday and Tuesday and a marketing workshop will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry McMonagle is looking forward to welcoming the various European project partners to Donegal and believes that this is a great opportunity to showcase what Donegal has to offer as a great place to live in, work in and visit.
“Working collaboratively with our European neighbours allows us to explore new ideas and new ways of doing things. It also allows us to highlight the wonderful natural resources we have here in Donegal in terms of our stunning land and seascape, our unique cultural identity as well as the welcome that we are known for around the world. It is also a great opportunity for our visitors to come along and enjoy the county with the ‘world’s most beautiful landing spot’”.