A Community Trails Plan in south Donegal - connecting communities outdoors

A Community Trails Plan is being developed for South Donegal which will look at and document walks and paths across the district, connecting communities, our amenities, our spaces and places.

The Plan will be a roadmap, guiding communities and informing the sustainable development and management of a network of walks/paths/trails with a focus on our local communities thus enabling doorstep walking 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’, where, through this process, we engage with and learn from our communities, the outcome of which will inform CLEAR ideas/initiatives for walks/paths/trail development in our communities across the district.

The proposed CLEAR community trail development comprises of:

Connecting our 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, for example 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 eg Walk of the Week

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

We Want To Hear From You – What are your local CLEAR outdoor recreation priorities?

Come to one of the drop-in community trails events to help us guide the sustainable development of our outdoor spaces and places and tell us what community trail opportunities your community are interested in pursuing.

Tuesday 21st January 2025: 14:00 – 16:00
The Members Room, Donegal Public Service Centre, Drumlonagher, Donegal Town, Co Donegal, F94 DK6C

Tuesday 21st January 2025: 18:00 – 20:00
Abbey Centre, Tir Connell Street, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, F94 DX51

Thursday 23rd January 2025: 14:00 – 16:00
Carrick Community Hall, The Old School, Carrick, Co Donegal, F94 RY91

Thursday 23rd January 2025: 18:00 – 20:00
Henry Kee’s Office, Main Street, Killybegs, Co Donegal, F94 W27H

Your input is integral to the development of this plan thereby ensuring our plan reflects the needs of all in our communities.

If you cannot attend one of our in-person events, please feel free to contact the project team by email to humphrey@ilc.ie

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