A road to one of the most important St. Colmcille heritage sites in Donegal is in urgent need of repair this year, according to local Councillor Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly.
The 1500th anniversary of St Colmcille’s birth is being commemorated in Donegal and Derry throughout 2021.
However, the road to St. Colmcille’s birthplace at Leac na Cumha in Lacknacoo, Gartan is in a poor state for visitors.
Cllr Kelly has asked Donegal County Council explore options to have the road from the Gartan outdoor centre car park to the site resurfaced.
Cllr Kelly said the site is a “very special place” which has the potential to attract huge numbers of tourists if lockdown is lifted.
The matter was raised at this month’s Letterkenny-Milford MD meeting. The council responded to say that little action can be taken due to the route being a private road.
Cllr Kelly was told that the County Donegal Heritage Office can provide advice to a local community group on heritage issues, consent required from the National Monuments Service for works in the vicinity of an archaeological monument, and possible heritage funding.
The council said that the main concern will be in protecting and conserving the integrity of the site so “any project would need to be carefully considered and be able to articulate the benefits for heritage”.
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