New Barrack Hill Nature Trail ‘will enrich Carndonagh for generations’
Community vision realised as sod turned on landmark Barrack Hill Wetlands project for Inishowen
Donegal County Council, together with project partners, Inishowen Rivers Trust, Barrack Hill Town Park Committee, elected members and community representatives, marked the commencement of the Barrack Hill Wetland and Nature Trail Project at a sod-turning ceremony held on 8th September in Carndonagh.
The project will transform lands adjacent to the Ballywilly Brook into a vibrant wetland and nature trail that will enhance biodiversity, enhance flood resilience, create habitats for wildlife and provide opportunities for recreation, education and wellbeing.
The initiative originated from actions identified in the Carndonagh Biodiversity Action Plan, the Donegal County Council Climate Action Plan, and has been driven by the vision and commitment of the Barrack Hill Town Park Steering Committee and the Inishowen Rivers Trust.
The Barrack Hill Wetland and Nature Trail is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027, with additional support from Donegal County Council.
The project also benefited from early-stage design funding from the River Basin Management Service, A Local Authority Shared Service, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Speaking at the event, John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, said: “The Barrack Hill Wetland and Nature Trail project is an excellent example of Council and community partnership delivering local climate action. Through the support of the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme and the NWRA Decarbonising Zone Scheme, this project will enhance biodiversity, resilience to storm events, and create a valuable community amenity in Carndonagh for generations to come.”
The Cathaoirleach of Inishowen Municipal District, Cllr Martin Farren said: “The Barrack Hill Wetland and Nature Trail is a fantastic example of community-led climate action in practice. This project will create lasting environmental, educational and recreational benefits for Carndonagh. I would like to congratulate all involved in getting to this milestone.”
Lorraine Arbuckle, Climate Action Coordinator with Donegal County Council, added: “This project demonstrates how collaboration between communities, environmental organisations and public bodies can deliver meaningful climate action that benefits both people and nature for generations to come. We are delighted to provide support through our Local Authority Climate Action Plan.”
Reflecting on the years of local dedication required to reach this milestone, Carmel Doherty, of the Barrack Hill Town Park Steering Committee (BHTPSC), spoke on the significance of the event.
“This is a deeply proud moment for everyone who backed the Barrack Hill Wetlands effort from day one. What started as a vision to improve biodiversity in our town has grown into a major project that will enrich Carndonagh for generations.”
Dr Trish Murphy, of the Inishowen Rivers Trust, highlighted the wider benefits of the project:
“The development of these wetlands will support biodiversity, improve climate resilience and give people an opportunity to connect with nature in the heart of their community. From students learning biology first-hand to residents enjoying a peaceful walk, this sanctuary will deliver vital benefits to our local health, wellbeing, and biodiversity.”
Construction will be undertaken by Donegal County Council and will continue over the coming months, delivering a key nature-based solution within the Carndonagh Decarbonising Zone and creating a valuable environmental and community asset for local residents and visitors alike.