Council to explore footpath linking Rathmullan and popular woods
A new footpath or cycleway linking Rathmullan village with Rathmullan Woods is to be explored amid safety concerns.
Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Pauric McGarvey, raised the proposal, describing the woods and nature reserve as a “fantastic amenity” just outside the town.
The woodland extends to more than 82 acres and includes a 1km loop trail through beech plantation and mixed native woodland.
However, Cllr McGarvey said there is currently no safe footpath or cycle access from Rathmullan, with the existing footpath ending at Ballyboe Bridge on the busy R247 Rathmullan-Ramelton road.
“I believe this would be a fantastic project for this council to deliver and would be widely used, giving people a safe route to walk to the woods,” he said.
Cllr McGarvey said the area also holds major historical significance, with nearby Portnamurray associated with the departure of the Flight of the Earls in 1607.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Liam Blaney, who raised concerns about people parking at the woods and walking back around dangerous bends towards the town.
“I am surprised there haven’t been any accidents so far," said Cllr Blaney.
The local authority has confirmed that its Project Development Team will explore options for a link between Rathmullan Woods and the village.
The work will involve council departments and relevant stakeholders to assess feasibility and potential delivery options, while available funding opportunities will also be examined.
This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.