‘Significant milestone’ for 37.5km new greenway through Donegal’s spectacular Barnesmore Gap

Donegal County Council has described the application, an accompanying Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the new route through the Bluestacks as a ‘significant milestone in the development of one of County Donegal's most ambitious active travel and tourism projects’.

The proposed Barnesmore Gap Greenway will create a 37.5km safe, segregated walking, wheeling and cycling route linking Donegal Town with Ballybofey/Stranorlar.

Consisting of a 3-4m wide shared pathway and designed for people of all ages and abilities, the greenway will provide a high-quality off-road route for everyday journeys, recreation and tourism. Along the route, four trailheads will provide convenient access, parking and visitor facilities, while direct connections to three primary schools will support safer, healthier travel options for children and families.

The greenway will also connect communities with local amenities, sporting facilities, heritage sites and visitor attractions.

Throughout the development of the project, Donegal County Council has placed significant emphasis on engagement and collaboration. 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.

The Council said it remains committed to continuing this engagement. Dedicated members of the National Roads Office Project Team will continue to be available to meet with affected landowners and respond to queries regarding the planning application and the land acquisition process.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Report accompanying the application provides a comprehensive assessment of the likely environmental effects of the proposed development and identifies the measures incorporated into the design to avoid, reduce or mitigate potential impacts on people, communities and the environment.

As part of the statutory application, a CPO has also been published to facilitate the acquisition of the lands required to deliver the project. and While Donegal County Council's preference remains to acquire lands by voluntary agreement wherever possible, the inclusion of a CPO forms an essential part of the statutory approval process for a large project of this nature. Issues necessitating the use of CPO include but are not restricted to, probate, land registration as well as ensuring all lands can be acquired and full access provided for construction. CPO ensures that all lands required to construct, operate and maintain the proposed Greenway are identified within the application and can be secured by Donegal County Council.

The statutory public consultation period will commence on August 17, 2026 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 CPO the Council will progress the project through the next stages of land acquisition, detailed design, advance works and procurement. Subject to funding and the completion of the necessary statutory and procurement processes, construction is not anticipated to commence before 2028.

Further details of the project will be available on the project website www.barnesmoregapgreenway.ie.