A total of €42,500 has been allocated to Donegal for 13 walking trails throughout the county.
The announcement was made by Fine Gael’s Minister Heather Humphreys, with the €1 million investment set to support 517 walking trails in the country.
The trails in Donegal to receive the cash are:
Arranmore Blueway Management Group €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
Muckish Development Group €2,500
John McNulty, Fine Gael General Election candidate for Donegal, said the trails play an enormous role in our towns and villages.
He added “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.
He went on “This investment will allow for crucial investment to be made in the walking trails, including the purchase of important equipment, or carrying out small scale maintenance works.
“The funding will also support the promotion of the trails as tourist attractions, which will provide a welcome economic boost for the wider communities across our County.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in these successful applications, and I look forward to seeing their continued success.”
Welcoming the announcement, Donegal minister, Charlie McConalogue said: “This grant funding will be used towards to 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.”
