Calls for special workshop to implement River Swilly walkway

Councillors of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District have called for a workshop to bring the proposed riverside walk along the Swilly back into focus.

The walkway would make the River Swilly a centrepiece of recreational paths and activities in Letterkenny. 

In recent years, a voluntary community group carried out extensive groundwork on the “Swilly Way” before handing the project over to the council for implementation.

Councillor Gerry McMonagle says it is time for a clear plan to develop the river as a key town amenity, with potential for walks, picnics, canoeing access and other uses.

He said the stretch from O Donnell Park and Ballymacool, through the Port Bridge to the Thorn, could be developed into a major public amenity for both residents and visitors.

Speaking at this week’s MD meeting, Cllr McMonagle also noted that a proposal for a weir to maintain a full volume of water in the tidal river is still valid two decades after it was first suggested.

Cllr McMonagle called for a special workshop to look at funding avenues.

“If we start developing south Letterkenny, then the river becomes a central part of the town and has to be made an amenity, so let’s start preparing for that now,” he said.

Donegal County Council stated that the Letterkenny riverside walk is being considered alongside the Burtonport to Letterkenny Greenway project.

A response from the council said that the greenway project is progressing through Phase 2 of the options selection process. An Emerging Preferred Route Corridor has been identified following public consultation in December 2023.

The previously proposed Letterkenny Riverside Walk falls within this corridor. The council said it is appropriate to await the outcome of the third non-statutory public consultation before determining next steps. The purpose of that consultation is to inform the public about the option selection process and to gather feedback on the emerging corridor.

Members were told that the Greenways team is finalising the options selection process and will provide further updates when the project moves to Phase 3, which includes design and environmental evaluation.

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A spokesperson said: “The greenway project aims to provide an attractive trail between the settlements of Letterkenny and Burtonport in County Donegal, mainly to be used for recreational purposes by pedestrians, cyclists and people with impaired mobility. Delivery of such a greenway would not only provide a great recreational facility and social support for local communities, but also draw domestic and international visitors to the area benefitting the social and economic factors in the settlements located along the selected route. It will also act as a valuable corridor providing a safe, sustainable and healthy modal option for all users.”