Works get underway on Muckish Railway Walk - Donegal News

WORKS are underway on delivering Phase 3 of the Muckish Railway Walk.

W Doherty Construction Ltd has been appointed for the project, which mobilised to site this week.

As a result, some sections of the Muckish Railway Walk will be closed to the public for the duration of the works.

Phase 3 works will include the provision of new surfacing over the remaining 3.5km stretch of the Muckish Railway Walk, two small car parks, and extensive drainage improvements over the 3.5km length of the project.

The section of the Muckish Railway Walk outlined in red in the attached drawing will be closed to the public for the duration of the works.

Also included is the provision of fencing where required, access controls at various locations, and information panels and seating.

A bridge will be replaced and repair works will take place on three masonry arch bridges.

The project is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) Measure 3, with the council providing 10 per cent match funding.

The development has been welcomed by Cllr Michael McClafferty of the Glenties Municipal District (MD).

The tender for Phase 3 was published in April, with the Independent councillor then raising concerns that the distance may not be fully achieved due to the fuel crisis “hampering” works.

“I want to very much welcome this next stage of the Muckish Railway Walk,” said Cllr McClafferty.

“My thanks also to Donegal County Council for overseeing this project, and to the local community who kept pushing to get it going several years ago. This is all following through on former Councillor David Alcorn’s vision of having the railway line between Burtonport and Letterkenny utilised for everyone to come and enjoy.

“It’s also wheelchair-friendly and totally safe. It’s a great achievement for the Creeslough area, and is close to several of our towns including Kilmacrennan, Dunfanaghy, Falcarragh, Gortahork, and others.”

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