'Blown away'- Coastal group salute volunteers' commitment to help during Storm Dave

Volunteers in Portsalon helping to construct a path to Magherawarden beach at Ballymastocker. Photos: Coastal Group / Grúpa Cósta Fhánada

placeholder image — Volunteers in Portsalon helping to construct a path to Magherawarden beach at Ballymastocker. Photos: Coastal Group / Grúpa Cósta Fhánada

Getting safely to and from Magherawarden beach at Ballymastocker in Portsalon via the boardwalk was impossible recently due to erosion, so people were making their way across the dunes - until 38 volunteers did their bit to install a new pathway during testing conditions

Almost 40 hardy souls defied Storm Dave to help make one of Donegal’s most picturesque beaches accessible again.

Fanad Coastal Group discussed the issue with Donegal County Council and local landowners and an agreement was reached to make a safe path by means of installing posts and rope.

The group made a shout-out to volunteers to come on board and despite the terrible weather, with Donegal having yellow wind and rain warnings with possible flooding, 38 people turned up - many from the locality and others from further afield.

“Oh my goodness! Given the weather warnings, we were literally blown away by the number of people who turned up and the great team spirit - heart-lifting,” a spokesperson for Fanad Coastal Group / Grúpa Cósta Fhánada said.

“What a fabulous response from all points in the province!! Thank you so much for a great job done, under testing conditions and with great humour and conviction. Thirty-eight people turned out to secure safe access to the beach whilst limiting damage to our precious dunes - a result! Please take a bow and enjoy your Easter.”