Planning permission for boardwalk at east Donegal lake appealed

A decision to grant planning permission for a boardwalk and viewing area at an east Donegal lake has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Donegal County Council has granted planning permission to Ballybofey And Stranorlar Integrated Community Company (Basicc) for the erection of an accessible timber boardwalk, viewing area and associated site development works over the existing stone covered walking trail at Trusk Lough.

The plans were lodged for the site 5km south of Ballybofey which is popular for swimming, walking and picnicking.

Residents in the area have lodged an appeal against the decision.  

One objection against the application on behalf of members of the community in the  Kinletter, Trusk, and Corgarry townlands raised concern that the development was being carried out without consultation with the local community. The objection also raised concerns about the impact on an environmentally sensitive area and that the development would detract from archaeological, scenic and geographical features.

Donegal County Council submits plans for Stranorlar all-weather facilities

Funding of €1.2m has been secured for the project

In response, Donegal County Council said the erection of site notice afforded the public the opportunity of the statutory consultation period.

It said the site is not listed as a European protected site and the sensitivities of the area were considered in the planners' assessment. 

The council ruled the application would be in accordance with the planning and sustainable development of the area and granted planning permission with four conditions.

A decision on the appeal is due in June.