Funding announced for 13 walking trail projects across Donegal

Funding of €42,500 has been allocated for walking trail projects in Donegal.

Thirteen groups in the county have received funding from the Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors initiative.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has  announced funding of more than €1 million for 517 walking trails across the country.Under the initiative, some 203 community groups will receive grants ranging from €1,500 to €35,000 for the development and upgrade of their local trails.

Funding is also being provided under the scheme to support groups to promote their trails as tourist attractions.

The successful projects in Donegal are: Arranmore Blueway Management Group which has been allocated €4,000, Ballybofey and Stranorlar Integrated Community Company (€1,500), Ballyliffin, Clonmany & Urris Community Development Association €1,500), Bluestack Way Committee (€15,000), Burtonport Old Railway Walk Committee (€4,000), Creevy Community Group €1,500, Dunfanaghy Tidy Towns (€1,500), Forbairt na Rosann (€1,500) Glenevin Waterfall Development Group (€1,500), Ionad Naomh Pádraig (€4,000), Leghowney Loop Walk Committee (€2,500), Loch Chonaill Railway Development Group (€1,500) andMuckish Development Group (€2,500).

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “Our walkways and outdoor trails really do showcase all that is good about our rural towns and villages.

“This funding will be used to upgrade and maintain these trails – but also to promote them from a tourism perspective.

 “I know we are coming into winter and the evenings are getting darker – but getting out for some fresh air, to clear the head, is so important.

 “I want to finally thank all the community groups and Trail Management Organisations that keep our trails in good condition. You do wonderful work and I’m delighted to support you.”

Welcoming the announcement, Donegal TD and agriculture minister, Charlie McConalogue said: “This grant funding will be used towards the cost of purchasing equipment, small-scale maintenance and marketing and promotion of the registered trails. Donegal has many popular walking trails and it’s important that these are maintained on a regular basis.”

“These walking trails in Donegal are great attractions for locals and tourists and I’d encourage people to check out their local walking trail – they provide an enjoyable experience for our domestic population and visitors,” he said.

Fine Gael general election candidate John McNulty said: “Walkways and trails are so important for communities in Donegal, providing an outlet to get fresh air, exercise, and socialise with friends.

“There is no doubting their valuable contribution to Donegal towns and villages, in helping boost our health and mental wellbeing.

“In Donegal, we are fortunate to have such committed community organisations, and I’m delighted that this funding will support them to maintain and upgrade the walking trails.”