By Dionne Meehan
WALKERS have been asked to avoid climbing Errigal mountain after recent “severe rain” caused significant damage to the newly constructed €630,000 path.
Taking to social media on Tuesday night after assessing the situation on the mountain, staff announced that they saw no other option but to close the path until a decision is made on how to repair the damage.
This comes as a result of very heavy downpours and large hail following Monday’s orange thunderstorm weather warning.
Scottish contractors, McGowan Environmental Engineering, began the project in 2022.
Split into two phases, they first constructed 1.4km of path from the car park.
With conditions on the mountain quite boggy at the time, Kyle McGowan, founder of McGowan Environmental Engineering, said many struggled to get onto the hill to enjoy the benefits of the scenery.
Returning in June last year to continue the work, Kyle and his team constructed 340 metres of a path and 170 metres of stone pitching (stone steps), resulting in a footpath leading straight to the summit.
This project resulted in Errigal mountain becoming more accessible for walkers of all abilities.
However, as peak season fast approaches, the staff say this damage is “extremely unfortunate”.
“There has been a huge investment by the local community and Donegal County Council both in terms of time, effort and finances. We respectfully ask that you do not climb the mountain at this time,” they concluded.
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