A two day consultation on the proposed Barnes Gap Greenway has been held.
Following a funding allocation from Government last year the TII , Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Donegal County Council pulled a team together to begin the consultation process .
The two day event has been welcomed by local county councillor Patrick McGowan.
Cllr McGowan said from speaking to Brian Reid senior executive engineer with the TII and the Greenway team he was heartened to hear that the first drop-in in Ballybofey and Donegal Town went very well.
Approximately 200 members of the public called in to the event and gave feedback.
Clr McGowan added “I am delighted with progress so far and the professionalism the Greenway team has brought to this process.
“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.
In addition a group of residents from Donegal Town and Ballybofey came together over two year ago under the Department of Rural and Community Development LEADER program , Innovating Communities training ‘ Design thinking,
Quite a bit of work went into weekly zoom training sessions and brainstorming about ideas for a recreational corridor in Barnes Gap . Public consultation were held in Ballybofey, Donegal town and Biddies of Barnes in 2021 as part of the innovating communities course
Cllr McGowan added “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 feathers, lakes waterways and raised big as well as wildlife and fauna.”
It is hoped that a route can be selected by the end of the year all going well, which will mean further public consultation later this summer.
“It is important to say at this stage no decision have been made regarding routes and anyone who has any questions should contact Brian and the Greenway team,” said Cllr McGowan .
A brochure containing information about the project has been produced and is available to download here. The brochure also contains a questionnaire which provides an opportunity to have your say on the project up until the 10th March .
The questionnaire can also be completed online here.
