The Minister for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA officially launched the “North West Trail” at an event held in the Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Strabane on Thursday, 1st November.
The eagerly awaited trail is a 326KM signed circular cycle route that passes through counties Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo. Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy a wide variety of scenic landscapes, dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and picturesque rural towns and villages. The route utilises quiet country roads and passes through the main towns of Enniskillen, Sligo, Donegal, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Lifford, Strabane and Omagh.
The project received £475,062 funding from the EU INTERREG 111A Programme through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Funding was provided in Donegal County Council via the elected members allocating an element of their Tourism Development Fund.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr, Jonathan Kennedy, Donegal County Council and Chairman of North West Trail Steering Committee said “The North West Trail has been developed through a long standing cross-border partnership between Sustrans (UK’s leading sustainable transport charity), the local and district councils of the North West with support from Failte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Today’s launch marks a milepost in the development of the North West Trail, the partners are committed to further enhancing and developing the route in the future. Journeys along the North West Trail will not only benefit the rural economy but also the health of local communities who use the signed cycle route”.
The project was developed by a consortium of 6 local authorities, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal County Councils, Fermanagh, Strabane and Omagh District Councils, managed by SUSTRANS and supported by Failte Ireland, the NI Tourist Board, the PSNI and An Garda Siochana.
The cycle/pedestrian route will act as an important piece of tourism product infrastructure, bringing visitors into the heart of various Donegal towns including Ballybofey and Stranorlar.
Further information is available by contacting Mr. Jeremy Smith, Trails & Walking Development Officer, Donegal County Council at 074/937