DO YOU enjoy walking and cycling in Inishowen? Or would you like to become more active in your community? If the answer is yes then Inishowen Development Partnership want to hear from you!

As part of the new Active Inishowen Project, IDP in collaboration with Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP) aim to establish a new dedicated walking and cycling hub in Inishowen.

IDP are now reaching out to community groups, local organisations reps, and individuals to attend a consultation evening in the Colgan Hall Carndonagh on Wednesday, June 26, at 7.30pm to discuss the barriers to walking and cycling in Inishowen.

As part of the workshop IDP, DSP, and their consultation partners Outscape will be exploring new ideas on how best too get more people walking and cycling around Inishowen.

Kevin McLaughlin, IDP’s new Active Inishowen Project Officer, said they are inviting any member of the public from across Inishowen to attend this meeting where their input will help shape the operational plan for the new Inishowen Walking and Cycling Hub.

“We want as many voices as possible from across the peninsula engaged in this consultation process between IDP and Outscape,” said Kevin.

“Groups and individuals, all ages and abilities, whether you are currently active or thinking about becoming involved or more active – we want to hear from you.”

Claire McLernon said they are delighted to be working on the new plans for the new Walking and Cycling Hubs having previously been involved in similar projects in Northern Ireland through Sport NI.

“We are hoping to get a cross peninsula attendance at the workshop in Carndonagh that way we can understand how the findings are reflective of the wider peninsula,” said Claire.

“We will also be facilitating a group discussion to get a proper understanding on the barriers to being more active and how we can try and overcome those barriers. We are also happy to share the initial findings we have gathered from working with IDP and DSP on the Active Inishowen project to date.”

Myles Sweeney Chief Officer with Donegal Sports Partnership said they were delighted to secure funding under a Dormant Accounts administered by Sport Ireland to develop a Walking and Cycling Hub on the Inishowen Peninsula and they were excited to reach out to the community to help make the Hub a reality.

“This venture will support the growth of participation sport and physical activity especially for those most marginalised and disadvantaged in the area and will also seek to build the capacity for both activities through education and training,” added Myles.

Meanwhile, Team Lead with IDP Denise McCool praised Kevin’s dedication to his new role as Active Inishowen Officer by engaging with the groups on the ground and sharing new ideas.

“Already we can see the value of having a dedicated person on the ground in Inishowen like Kevin. He’s has been getting to know what’s here, what’s missing, and supporting communities to get active whilst also working closely with staff at Donegal Sports Partnership,” said Denise.

The consultation is open to everyone on Wednesday June 26^th at the Colgan Hall Carndonagh at 7.30pm. To register for the workshop click on the link below or email kevin@inishowen.ie.

Link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/activeinishowenworkshop