New opportunities will come from Ballybofey-Stranorlar-Donegal Town Greenway project

Major opportunities will exist for small businesses along the proposed greenway between Ballybofey-Stranolar and Donegal Town.

That's the view of local councillor Martin Harley following his visit this afternoon to the project's public consultation event in Ballybofey

The Barnesmore Gap Greenway project aims to provide an attractive trail between the towns of Donegal Town and Ballybofey-Stranorlar, mainly to be used for recreational purposes by pedestrians, cyclists and people with impaired mobility.

Donegal County Council, with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, has recently commissioned a technical engineering consulting team, ROD-AECOM, to assist in the development of the project.

"The proposal has so much potential and when you look at all the positive effects greenways have had in areas like Westport and Waterford, you can see this route through the iconic Barnesmore Gap has the potential to be busier than a lot of other greenways in Ireland," says Cllr Harley.

He adds while east Donegal had no beaches or Wild Atlantic Way, it did have culture and history not to mention many other attractions that could be further developed on the foot of a new greenway serving this area.

He added they would have to work with people living along the route, landowners and farming organisations to ensure the project served everyone well.

"There could be opportunities for landowners to set up small businesses along this route which could only benefit the economies in both Ballybofey-Stranorlar and Donegal Town."

He added the project has been talked about for years and it was now great to see progress.

"It won't happen overnight but it's certainly positive and moving things in the right direction. It's another part of the jigsaw falling into place."

Pictured at today's greenway public consultation event in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey were (l-r) Nick Perrin, consulting engineering firm AECOM, Paul Watters, assistant engineer, Donegal County Council, Rodney Irwin, executive engineer, Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley and Sam Kerr and Aaron Browne, also from AECOM

Benefits

The benefits of this proposed greenway are many.

The project will also act as a valuable corridor safely connecting rural communities and neighbours as well as providing a safe, green and healthy modal option to/from urban areas and to public and community facilities.

It is anticipated that the provision of a greenway in this location will provide enhanced access to the wider region, enticing users to explore its surrounding towns and villages and further develop the untapped tourism potential within the region.

The project also provides the opportunity to highlight the historical and educational significance of such places, whilst promoting the scenic nature of the surrounding area.

As part of Phase 1 (Concept and Feasibility), the project team has identified a Study Area and are in the process of identifying constraints that may influence a greenway route, and any key features or opportunities that would go towards enabling a good user experience.

The project team is seeking the views from residents of the Donegal Town and Ballybofey-Stranorlar areas, members of the public and other interested parties to participate in the consultation process based on the Project Study Area and the constraints and opportunities located within.

Today's session in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey follows one held on Wednesday in the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town but if you have not been able to attend either you can still submit your thoughts and ideas up to March 10 at design@dnrdo.ie

Today's event is open until 8pm.