Plan for walking route to Owencarrow viaduct and visitor centre

A proposed walking route which could bring people onto the railway line on the Owencarrow viaduct within glass paneling was outlined in a presentation at the Glenties Municipal District (GMD) meeting on Tuesday. 

Plans are being undertaken by the Owencarrow Viaduct Committee ahead of the centenary of a tragedy which claimed the lives of four people on January 30, 1925, when disaster struck on the viaduct.

Winds of up to 120mph derailed train carriages on the viaduct causing the tragic deaths of Philip and Sarah Boyle of Arranmore Island, Una Mulligan from Falcarragh and Neil Duggan from Meenbunowen. 

The committee discussed their phased plans with councillors and officials at the Glenties Municipal District on Tuesday. 

It is also hoped to have a visitor centre near the Log Cabin pub where people can acquire information in relation to the structure and the history pertaining to it. 

Committee member Eamonn McFadden gave a presentation which showcased the stunning architecture of the viaduct structure and gave an outline of the work and detailed planning that went into the construction of the structure. 

He described how the rail served as a vital link between the people of west Donegal and the rest of the country and how essential the arterial link was.

Mr McFadden spoke of plans for a proposed walking route in line with TII and local groups. He spoke of the beautiful landscape in which the viaduct is situated and added that the area is located close to the Muckish and Errigal mountains and near Glenveagh National Park. 

A monument in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragedy was opened in 2021 by Ben McFadden and this sterling work is associated with the current plans. 

Eamonn said that with the help provided by Joe Sweeney that a clearer route from the picnic area to the viaduct has been provided. The walking route will also support the nearby Greenway. 

The Creeslough-native said the view provided from the viaduct encompasses a stunning vista and is certain to attract tourists adding that the potential visitor centre at the Log Cabin will attract many people among which will be rail enthusiasts and give an insight into the rich local heritage of the area. 

Michael Doyle of the Log Cabin said that memorabilia relating to the train has been acquired and spoke of the benefits the visitor centre would provide to the area. 

Fianna Fáil Councillor Anthony Molloy described the plan as a fantastic idea adding that proposals such as these were vital to the industry. 

“Consider the potential if you could walk across the viaducts,” Sinn Féin Councillor John Shéamais Ó Fearrraigh said, adding that the committee has laid strong foundations in terms of planning. 

Sinn Féin Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher said that it takes local ownership to bring projects such as these to fruition and that the project would be of great benefit to the area. 

“Donegal trails got involved with us - our priority is to bring a pathway from the monument to the viaduct site … we would like to bring the pathway to the point where the safety kicks in,” Mr Doyle said. 

Costings have been carried out in relation to the plan. The plan could see people walk to the railway line and onto the disaster site within glass paneling. 

Independent Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig said the project reflects what people want and that the community deserve to have such a project developed. 

Cathaoirleach of the GMD, Councillor Michael McClafferty said that the plan was fantastic and commended the committee on their foresight: “It is a great achievement to get it where it is at, a lot of spade work has been done.”

He said that the tragedy that befell the community a century ago will be forgotten. 

Cathy and Michael Doyle of the Log Cabin and Michaela and Eamonn McFadden from Creeslough are members of the committee.