A South Donegal Community Trails Plan, which will seek to enhance existing outdoor recreation facilities among a host of other objectives, is currently being developed.

The plan will be a roadmap, guiding communities and informing the sustainable development and management of a network of walks/paths/trails whilst still preserving the ecological and culturally rich natural environment that is unique in South Donegal.

Humphrey Murphy, lead consultant with ILC Consultancy and based in Donegal, has been appointed and is leading out on the project, supported by the Community Development Division of Donegal County Council.

Work is ongoing to inform the plan detail and will identify existing and explore potential walks, trails and paths across the Donegal Municipal District.

An integral element of the development of the plan includes a programme of engagement, 'Conversations with Our Communities', the outcome of which will inform CLEAR ideas/initiatives for walks/paths/trail development across the district.

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The proposed CLEAR community trail development comprises of:

• Connecting communities via trails with nearby outdoor recreation resources such as forests, rivers, hills, or other communities;

• Linking residential areas in our communities to local schools, playing fields, shops, community centres, churches and similar;

• Enhanced existing outdoor recreation facilities, such as seating, taking a trail off-road, lighting, play areas, shelter/changing areas for open water swimmers, community garden, outdoor classroom, or others;

• Action community-led events that encourage the use of the outdoors within the community or for visitors to the area, for example Walk of the Week;

• Reimagine outdoor recreation sites or facilities such as off-road cycling areas, forest bathing sites, dog parks.

Donegal County Council will be hosting various drop-in community trails events to help members guide the sustainable development of outdoor spaces and places.

These will occur at the following places:

• The Members Room, Donegal Public Service Centre, Drumlonagher, Donegal Town, on Tuesday, January 21, from 2pm – 4pm

• Abbey Centre, Tir Connell Street, Ballyshannon, on Tuesday, January 21, from 6pm to 8pm

• Carrick Community Hall, The Old School, Carrick, on Thursday, January 23, from 2pm to 4pm

• Henry Kee’s Office, Main Street, Killybegs, on Thurday, January 23, from 6pm to 8pm

Alternatively, the project team can be contacted by emailing [email protected].