More than 200 people attend public consultation on Barnesmore greenway

More than 200 people have attended a two-day public consultation on the proposed Barnesmore Gap greenway project.

The proposed greenway between Ballybofey-Stranorlar and Donegal Town is in the initial concept stage.

The purpose of the public consultation, which followed a funding allocation last year, was to inform the public of the project and to invite feedback on the study area, the constraints identified and any other issues or opportunities that the design team should consider.

Finn Valley councillor Patrick McGowan welcomed the public consultation as a successful step for the project.

He said it is hoped that a route can be selected by the end of the year, which would mean further public consultation in the summer.

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“I am delighted with progress so far and the professionalism the Greenway team has brought to this process,” he said.
“The time is right and I believe we are pushing an open door to get the appropriate support nationally if we can get agreement locally and work together to build a project that could be a national attraction.”
He said a group of residents from Donegal town and Ballybofey came together over two years ago under the Department of Rural and Community Development Leader program, which resulted in training sessions and brainstorming of ideas for a recreational corridor.
“This work will be of great benefit to the greenway and will open up multiple opportunities for visitors, cyclists, walkers and local people who visit the greenway whenever it is built and opened for the enjoyment of everyone.
“The important thing is that the beauty and integrity of Barnes Gap is preserved which has a lot of unique features, lakes, waterways and raised bog as well as wildlife and fauna.”