The Minister for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew, today officially launched the “North West Trail” at an event held in the Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Strabane.

The eagerly awaited trail is a 326km signed circular cycle route that passes through counties Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo in the North West of Ireland. Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy a wide variety of scenic landscapes, dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and picturesque rural towns and villages. The route utilises quiet country roads and passes through the main towns of Enniskillen, Sligo, Donegal, Lifford, Strabane and Omagh.

The project received £475,062 funding from the EU INTERREG IIIA Programme through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: ”I am delighted to officially launch the North West Trail as today’s event marks the culmination of a lot of hard work and commitment not only by the officers of Sustrans but also by the members of the North West Trail Steering Committee.

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“The North West Trail provides tourists and local communities with an opportunity to travel along quiet country roads, forest trails and riverside paths. It winds its way through the beautiful countryside of Lifford, Barnesmore Gap, along the beach at Rossnowlagh, on through Bundoran, Sligo and Leitrim, back through Belcoo, Enniskillen and onto Omagh before returning here to Strabane.”

Cllr Jonathan Kennedy, Chairman of North West Trail Steering Committee, added: “The North West Trail has been developed through a long standing cross-border partnership between Sustrans, the local and district councils of the North West with support from Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The launch marks a milepost in the development of the North West Trail, the partners are committed to further enhancing and developing the route in the future. Journeys along the North West Trail will not only benefit the rural economy but also the health of local communities who use the signed cycle route.”

The project was developed by a consortium of six local authorities, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal County Councils, Fermanagh, Strabane and Omagh District Councils, managed by SUSTRANS, and supported by Fáilte Ireland, the NI Tourist Board, the PSNI and An Garda Síochána.

The North West Trail links with the existing National Cycle Network, Route 92 to Derry, the existing Kingfisher Trail, Route 91 and will also link with the Inish Eoghain cycle route presently being developed.

A guide leaflet and map of the trail have also been developed as well as the establishment of a website www.northwest-trail.com. The website will provide cyclists intending to visit the North West with information on how to get here, accommodation, where to eat guide, details of bike shops, attractions and places to see and visit.

(GK/SP)