Work has just been completed on a €630,000 path to the top of Errigal Mountain.
The McGowan Environmental Engineering team began the sensitive construction of the 3km upland path to the summit of Donegal’s highest mountain in April last year.
For decades, tens of thousands of people have climbed the iconic peak.
However, concerns over safety for those climbing Errigal saw Donegal County Council successfully obtain the necessary funding for a safer path.
In a post today on ‘X’ (née Twitter), the contractors said the work had been successfully completed.
“Delivering this path project is a testament to the hard work of our project team, collaboration with key partners @donegalcouncil, Cairde na hEaragaile and our supply chain, including Skyhook Helicopters and Gillespie Quarries,” McGowan Environmental’s Contracts Manager, Sam Hesling, said.
A helicopter dropping off materials for the new Errigal path. Pic: McGowan Environmental.
The new path has brought great relief to climbers already as they can now avoid the eroded peat bog at the bottom (and any risk of losing a boot).
Stone steps have been placed on the majority of the hill, which had become badly eroded from the thousands of footsteps that displaced rocks in the past. As hikers have been encouraged to stick to the new path, the surrounding mountain habitat is said to be recovering well.
The ‘Sustainable Access & Restoration Project’ is funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and managed by Donegal County Council.
Brian McGeady from Dunlewey working with McGowan’s on the Errigal path. Photo: Errigal Mountain Facebook