Plans lodged for multi-million Barnesmore Greenway Project  - Donegal Daily

Phase 3 of a multi-million project that will boost tourism in South Donegal has been completed. Phase 4 has now commenced.

A planning application for the multi-million euro Barnesmore Gap Greenway Project will be formally lodged tomorrow.

Donegal County Council confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), to acquire the necessary lands, and Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) will also be published this week. All going according to plan, the first digger could be on site in 2028 and construction would take up to two years. Funding is also said to have been ‘ring fenced.’

One of the main drivers behind the project is the Cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar MD, Cllr Patrick McGowan. He said the new greenway will be a ‘gamechanger’ and will provide a physical link between the Finn Valley and the Wild Atlantic Way.

The latest move marks a significant milestone in the development of one of County Donegal’s most ambitious active travel and tourism projects. Years in the planning, the proposed greenway is a landmark project that will create a 37.5km safe, segregated walking, wheeling and cycling route linking Donegal Town with Ballybofey/Stranorlar through one of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes. One of the most spectacular legs of the route will no doubt be the old railway line which runs through the centre of Barnesmore Gap. There will also be trailheads/parking areas at Clar Chapel, Biddy’s of Barnes and at The Roadhouse Bar in Ballybofey, as well as a connection around Lough Eske. Part of the plan will see an underpass beneath the main Donegal-Ballybofey road and the restoration of the old railway bridge over the River Finn at Navenny, Ballybofey.

The old railway line running alongside Lough Mourne which will form part of the Barnesmore Gap Greenway project.

Strategically, the project will form part of Ireland’s proposed National Cycle Network and will connect directly with both the Wild Atlantic Way and EuroVelo Route 1.

The Project Team has undertaken extensive consultation over a number of years with directly affected landowners and property owners, elected representatives, community organisations, statutory consultees and the wider public.

“Recognising that the project affects a number of landowners and property owners, the council remains committed to continuing this engagement throughout the statutory process,” a spokesperson for the local authority said.

“Dedicated members of the National Roads Office Project Team will continue to be available to meet with affected landowners and respond to queries regarding both the planning application and the land acquisition process.”

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Following publication of the application, statutory notices will be issued to affected parties in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements.

The statutory public consultation period will commence on August 17th and will remain open for six weeks. During this time, members of the public are invited to inspect the planning application documents and make submissions or observations directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála, which will undertake an independent assessment of the application before making its determination. An Oral Hearing may also be convened if considered necessary by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Subject to the granting of planning approval and confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order, the council will progress the project through the next stages of land acquisition, detailed design, advance works and procurement.

Further details of the project and all published documentation will be available on the project website www.barnesmoregapgreenway.ie as well as on the An Comisiún Pleanala website from the start of the consultation period.