Details of the creation of a masterplan for the west Donegal village of Dunlewey, and the wider landscape, have been revealed.
The community there has in recent years been involved in some incredible work in the area. This has included improved path access at Errigal mountain, enhanced playspace at Ionad Cois Locha, and the ongoing work in managing rhododendron.
Most recently, the community with Donegal County Council and supported by key stakeholders, are working together again to produce a masterplan. This plan will provide a roadmap to inform the development of the village and wider landscape over the next six years, and on to 2040. This will build on the great work already ongoing for the community and the increasing number of visitors coming to the area.
The masterplan will consider key areas including the landscape, the natural and built environment, cultural heritage, and language. Dún Lúiche sits at the foot of Errigal and, in this regard, the masterplan will also consider pedestrian and vehicular movement and connectivity between and to the mountain, the recreational and tourism offering and the resultant opportunities available.
The community and the council continue to meet with and work with the local elected representatives, including Cllr John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh, Cathaoirleach of Glenties Municipal District.
“There is some great work going on right across the district supported by the local authority and by funding through national government, and this next project in Dún Lúiche is a further reflection of the commitment of the community who have been doing Trojan work for years,” Cllr Ó Fearraigh said.
“And I want to commend this work. There’s a lot more people now coming to Errigal mountain since we invested in the improved path access up the mountain and nows the time to build on this, working with key stakeholders in Failte Ireland, Udaras and our neighbours in Glenveagh. We will meet with officials now next week to discuss further this work and look forward to see what’s developing. Tús maith déanta ach Tuilleadh le deanamh í nDún lúiche do pobal an cheantar don na blianta amach roimhn.’’
The Elected Members of the Glenties Municipal District will meet again next week to discuss the ongoing work in Dún Lúiche. A project specific and time bound steering group has been established to guide the development of the masterplan and resultant emerging projects.
Chair of Cairde na hEaragaile, John Andy Bonar, confirmed they will now actively commence a programme of engagement, speaking to and working with those interested in the development of Dún Lúiche, and they really want to hear from you.
“A programme of interactive and in person workshops will also commence shortly and we have, with the consultants, designed a dedicated programme for the local schools and young people. This is very exciting, linking in with the work our Project Officer, Josephine Kelly, is already doing in relation to biodiversity and sustainability. We look forward to hearing your thoughts, either through the online survey or when we meet over the coming weeks.”
Pasparakis Friel Architects have been appointed as the lead consultant to deliver the masterplan.
An online survey has been developed to inform the development of this plan, and the stakeholders want to hear from you to inform the future of the Dún Lúiche area.
Tags:
