Donegal County Council is looking for the public’s feedback on an upcoming community trails project in the south of the county.
The Community Trails Plan aims to document walks and paths across the southern area of the county, to make trails and communities more interconnected.
The finalised plan will be a roadmap advising the sustainable development and management of a network of walks, paths and trails while also maintaining the ecologically and culturally rich natural environment of the county.
Members of the public are being urged to submit their priorities for any proposed routes.
The lead of the project is Humphrey Murphy, a lead consultant with ILC Consultancy and based in Donegal, who will also be supported by the Community Development Division of Donegal County Council. Work is ongoing to inform the plan detail and will identify existing and explore potential walks trails and paths across the Donegal Municipal District.
The proposed CLEAR community trail development comprises of:
- Connecting our communities via trails with nearby outdoor recreation resources such as forests, rivers, hills, or other communities
- Linking residential areas in our communities to local schools, playing fields, shops, community centres, churches and similar
- Enhanced existing outdoor recreation facilities, for example seating, taking a trail off-road, lighting, play areas, shelter/changing areas for open water swimmers, community garden, outdoor classroom, or others
- Action community-led events that encourage the use of the outdoors within the community or for visitors to the area eg Walk of the Week
- Reimagine outdoor recreation sites or facilities such as off-road cycling areas, forest bathing sites, dog parks.
A number of drop-in events are being held next week where members of the public can share their views on which community trails and outdoor spaces should be prioritised.
Tuesday 21st January 2025: 14:00 – 16:00
The Members Room, Donegal Public Service Centre, Drumlonagher, Donegal Town, Co Donegal, F94 DK6C
Tuesday 21st January 2025: 18:00 – 20:00
Abbey Centre, Tir Connell Street, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, F94 DX51
Thursday 23rd January 2025: 14:00 – 16:00
Carrick Community Hall, The Old School, Carrick, Co Donegal, F94 RY91
Thursday 23rd January 2025: 18:00 – 20:00
Henry Kee’s Office, Main Street, Killybegs, Co Donegal, F94 W27H
If you cannot attend one of the in-person events, you can contact the project team by email at humphrey@ilc.ie.
This initiative is collectively funded by the Elected Members of the Donegal Municipal District, recognised as a strategic, action focused document informed by and of value to local communities.
