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Better facilities vital for iconic Donegal mountain

A Donegal councillor has called for improved facilities for climbers at Mount Errigal. Picture by Mal McCann.
A Donegal councillor has called for improved facilities for climbers at Mount Errigal. Picture by Mal McCann. A Donegal councillor has called for improved facilities for climbers at Mount Errigal. Picture by Mal McCann.

THERE have been calls for improved facilities at Co Donegal’s iconic Mount Errigal following a huge influx of visitors over the bank holiday.

The largest mountain in Donegal, Mount Errigal’s distinctive cone shape is often used to represent the county.

It is also popular with climbers, offering spectacular views across north west Ulster from its peak.

While a small car park was created at the foot of the peak some years ago, at busy climbers are forced to park along the narrow roads of west Donegal.

John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh, who sits on Donegal County Council, said current car parking facilities were inadequate and other facilities were also needed.

“As many people living locally will be aware, the famous peak receives many hundreds of visitors each week during the summer and in recent weeks, the numbers visiting the site have grown considerably as the weather improves and conditions for climbing are now very favourable.

“However, safety fears are re-emerging as existing parking spaces at the foot of the mountain are wholly inadequate to accommodate these tourist and visitor numbers,” the Sinn Féin councillor said.

Mr Ó Fearraigh said he intends to raise his concerns with council and with the Republic Road Safety Authority this week.

The councillor said other facilities, such as boot scraper stations, were also needed to accommodate walkers.

Mr Ó Fearraigh said while a recent investment of €500,000 in conservation work gave recognition to Errigal’s value, further investment was needed.