A new €500,000 Donegal walkway connecting Carrigart and Downings has officially opened, creating a safer route for pedestrians, cyclists, runners and families in North Donegal.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD opened the first phase of the 1.5-kilometre shared-use path on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The project was funded through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
Donegal walkway improves safety and active travel
The new Donegal walkway is located in the townland of Ballyohagan and follows the R248 regional road between Carrigart and Downings. It provides a dedicated off-road connection for local residents and visitors travelling between the two villages.
Alongside the path itself, the completed works include drainage improvements and safety fencing. The infrastructure is intended to support everyday travel as well as recreation, giving people a safer alternative to walking or cycling directly beside a busy regional road.
At the official opening, Minister Calleary said the project demonstrated the type of investment ORIS was created to support. He highlighted its potential to improve road safety, encourage active travel and make outdoor recreation more accessible to people of different ages and abilities.
Benefits for the local community
The Carrigart to Downings route is expected to benefit residents, families, visitors and businesses in the surrounding area. Better walking and cycling infrastructure can strengthen links between rural communities while making local amenities and destinations easier to reach without a car.
- A safer off-road route for walkers and cyclists
- Improved access between Carrigart and Downings
- Drainage upgrades and safety fencing along the R248
- Additional opportunities for outdoor recreation and active travel
The project was delivered with the involvement of Donegal County Council, local elected representatives, community groups, businesses, landowners, contractors and the wider project team. Groups acknowledged in connection with the development include Moving Mevagh Forward, Carrigart Tidy Towns and Downings Tidy Towns.
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Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme explained
ORIS supports the development of new outdoor recreational facilities in rural areas. The scheme can also fund the repair, maintenance, improvement and promotion of existing outdoor infrastructure across Ireland.
According to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, more than €5.6 million has been awarded to County Donegal since 2020 for 74 projects. The funding supports a range of initiatives designed to improve access to the countryside and promote healthier, more sustainable ways to travel and spend leisure time.
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What the Carrigart to Downings walkway means
The new Donegal walkway is more than a path beside the R248. It is an investment in road safety, connectivity, rural tourism and community wellbeing. By linking two North Donegal villages with a shared-use route, the project gives residents and visitors a practical way to walk, cycle and enjoy the area more safely.
Key takeaway: The €500,000 Carrigart to Downings walkway marks a significant step forward for active travel and outdoor recreation in County Donegal, supported by ORIS funding and local collaboration.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
