Clock ticking with land deals still outstanding on Carrigart-Downings walkway
Concerns have been raised that the long-awaited Carrigart to Downings footpath could face further delays.
Councillor Liam Blaney has warned that time is running out to complete the final phase of the project.
The project, which was first proposed in 2012, received a further €500,000 in government funding in November 2025.
At the time, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) required projects to be completed and funding drawn down within 24 months of approval.
However, in its response to Cllr Blaney's motion at Tuesday's Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District meeting, the Council confirmed that land acquisition remains ongoing.
It said it continues to engage with landowners affected by Phase 2, and that detailed design cannot be finalised until the necessary lands have been secured. The appointment of a contractor will follow.
Cllr Blaney expressed concern about the slow progress. He queried whether staffing shortages within the Council may be contributing to delays.
He also warned of rising construction costs and the approaching funding deadline at the end of 2027.
"I don’t see it done this time next year, and that will be two years after the funding was in place," Cllr Blaney said, calling for a scope of whether additional staff are needed to speed up project delivery.
"I hope we won't have to go back to them for Phase 3. I fear the way it's going, we wont have the money to pay for it."
Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Pauric McGarvey supported the motion, highlighting the need for the project to be completed in light of the popularity of the completed first phase.
"I witnessed it myself all summer, the enjoyment people were getting out of it," he said.
The first phase covers approximately 1.5km from Rosapenna Pavilion towards Carrigart, stopping at the L1042 junction. The remainder of the path will lead into Carrigart.
Cllr McGarvey also expressed frustration at the slow turnaround between securing funding and delivering projects.
Eamonn Brown, Acting Director of Service, for Community Development & Planning Services acknowledged the frustration, particularly given the success of Phase 1.
He agreed to speak with colleagues to establish the current position regarding engagement with the affected landowners.
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