Donegal County Council is pleased to announce the publication of the planning application, Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the proposed Barnesmore Gap Greenway on 13th August 2026.
The publication of the application marks a significant milestone in the development of one of County Donegal’s most ambitious active travel and tourism projects. The proposed Greenway has been developed over a number of years through detailed engineering design, environmental assessment and extensive consultation with landowners, local communities, elected representatives, statutory bodies and other stakeholders.
The proposed Barnesmore Gap Greenway is a landmark project that will create a 37.5km safe, segregated walking, wheeling and cycling route linking Donegal Town with Ballybofey/Stranorlar through one of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes.
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.
All planning documents related to the project are available to view online
The Greenway will also connect communities with local amenities, sporting facilities, heritage sites and visitor attractions, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty, history and culture of the surrounding area.
Strategically, the project will form part of Ireland’s proposed National Cycle Network and will connect directly with both the Wild Atlantic Way and EuroVelo Route 1, placing County Donegal at the heart of an internationally recognised walking and cycling network and strengthening its position as a leading destination for outdoor recreation and sustainable tourism.
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. This collaborative approach has resulted in numerous refinements to the scheme, helping to minimise impacts where practicable while delivering a project that will provide lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for the county.
Recognising that the project affects a number of landowners and property owners, the Council remains committed to continuing this engagement throughout the statutory process. Dedicated members of the National Roads Office Project Team will continue to be available to meet with affected landowners and respond to queries regarding both the planning application and the land acquisition process.
Barnesmore Gap
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 Compulsory Purchase Order 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 CPO documentation identifies, insofar as reasonably practicable, the known owners, occupiers and reputed owners of the affected lands. Following publication of the application, statutory notices will issue to affected parties in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements. Members of the Project Team will remain available throughout the process to assist landowners and answer any queries that may arise.
The proposed route from Donegal Town to Ballybofey/Stranorlar
The statutory public consultation period will commence on 17th August 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 Compulsory Purchase Order, 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 and all published documentation will be available on the project website www.barnesmoregapgreenway.ie as well as on the An Comisiún Pleanala website from start of consultation period.
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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.' _flexible_blocks_0_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56' flexible_blocks_1_small_image => '23578' _flexible_blocks_1_small_image => 'field_689618ccaa4b9' flexible_blocks_2_wysiwyg_content_block => 'The Greenway will also connect communities with local amenities, sporting facilities, heritage sites and visitor attractions, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty, history and culture of the surrounding area. 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Recognising that the project affects a number of landowners and property owners, the Council remains committed to continuing this engagement throughout the statutory process. 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As part of the statutory application, a Compulsory Purchase Order 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 CPO documentation identifies, insofar as reasonably practicable, the known owners, occupiers and reputed owners of the affected lands. Following publication of the application, statutory notices will issue to affected parties in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements. Members of the Project Team will remain available throughout the process to assist landowners and answer any queries that may arise.' _flexible_blocks_4_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56' flexible_blocks_6_wysiwyg_content_block => 'The statutory public consultation period will commence on 17th August 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 Compulsory Purchase Order, 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. 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