The location was the scene of a tragic train crash in 1925 in which four people lost their lives.
As part of the planned Letterkenny-Burntonport greenway, Councillor Michael McBride has proposed the development of a ‘signature tourism project’ and has asked Donegal County Council to write to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) supporting the suggestion. The planned project would be located next to The Log Cabin pub at Derryfad.
“I do feel that it is a viable project,” Councillor McBride said, his motion seconded by Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh. “The Greenway would be great news for people who have been working on the project for a long number of years. Every project such as this needs a signature project on it.
“Here, there is a spectacular valley and the stone pillars that the train blew off are still there. It is ideally located and it is something we should be pushing for. If we were to push for a signature project, I can’t think of a better location.”
Donegal County Council has confirmed that it will write a letter of support to TII on behalf of the Letterkenny-Milford MD.
On the night of January 30, 1925, winds of 120m/h lashed Donegal.
An engine pulling two carriages, one wagon, and a combined van, was travelling on the Derry-Burtonport line when it was blown off the viaduct. Four of the 14 people on board were killed: Husband and wife Philip and Sarah Boyle from Arranmore; Neil Duggan of Meenabunone and Una Mulligan, a native of Falcarragh.
