Gartan Lake viewing area mooted at 'spectacular' Churchill location

A new viewing area has been suggested for Churchill Woods after the recent clearance of trees revealed sweeping views of Gartan Lake.

Councillor Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly has said the tree-harvesting has presented an unmissable opportunity for a new set down/viewing area.

He has called on Donegal County Council to engage with Coillte on the idea, saying it would also benefit the Wild Atlantic Way route, if an agreement is made and funding is sourced.

Cllr Kelly told this week’s meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford MD: “I myself travel that road a lot and it’s the first time I remember that when you come over the brow of the hill, to actually see the lake.”

Cllr Kelly said the viewpoint would enhance the tourism, history and recreational appeal of the area near Glenveagh National Park.

“The view is spectacular and there are already walking trails through the wood. There is a massive potential here for this,” he said.

Councillor Kelly acknowledged that Coillte would have to be agreeable to leaving a section of the forestry not re-planted to maintain the view, but he was “not asking for the whole forestry not to be planted”.

“There could be an opportunity as well that Coillte might part fund this, it could be part of the conversation,” he said.

Cllr Kelly added that Failte Ireland and the Churchill Development Group would also be valuable contributors to the discussion.

The council executive agreed that a site meeting would be the way forward to discuss the proposal. Possible sources of funding would be through the Minor Tourism scheme or Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding.