A local councillor has highlighted the need to develop additional walking routes around the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain located on the Cavan/Fermanagh border. The popular walk to the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain is commonly referred to as the - Stairway To Heaven - which is enjoyed not only by those from the local region but by visitors from right across Ireland. According to Fianna Fail councillor and Blacklion native, John Paul Feeley, the attraction of huge numbers to the area is causing "huge environmental pressures" on the summit. Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr Feeley said that "distributing visitors" and "creating more opportunities" for people to experience Cuilcagh without actually having to go to the summit is part of the Cuilcagh Masterplan and overall objective for the coming years. He added that plans will focus on utilising the very "significant chunk" of land on the Swanlinbar side of Cuilcagh, with further plans to develop alternative walking routes across the scenic area of West Cavan.
"It’s about bringing the reality of the Geopark into the various communities which are part of it and providing more opportunity for visitors to stay and visit the area and local communities," said Cllr Feeley.
He continued; "The wider plan for Cuilcagh looks at a number of aspects including developing information points at Tullydermot, Swanlinbar, Blacklion, Bawnboy, Blacklion and Dowra, mainly utilising existing buildings, improving access to the area, developing additional tourist amenities, managing access to sensitive environmental area and ultimately developing a sustainable tourist product in the region that does not simply have visitors coming to the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre, the Cavan Burren Park and then jumping back into a car or bus and leaving the area. Having a plan forms the basis for future funding applications."
