BY KATE HEANEY
A planning application has been lodged by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to make Inch Lough more accessible to nature lovers.
The plans include the completion of a walkway and timber boardwalk around the entire perimeter of the lake, three separate car parks, a boat slipway and jetty, picnic area, footbridge, timber bird hides and site works.
Speaking this week local Wildlife Ranger Andrew Speer said the plan was more or less in line with a previous planning application which had been withdrawn.
"There were a few objections when the first plan was lodged and Birdwatch Ireland had a few small concerns. We have made minor changes to reflect these concerns in the new submission. We believe everyone will be happy now," Mr Speer said.
Donegal Creameries plc, which owns Inch Lough as part of the Grianan Farm, has leased the 900 acre area to the National Park and Wildlife Service in order to secure its future.
According to Mr Speer, the area is one of the most important wildlife sites in the country. Donegal County Council is currently carrying out a feasibility study with a view to developing a visitor's centre.
"Once the pathways and footbridge are completed there will be better access around the site although the pathways will be screened off. We are trying to carry out the work in as sensitive a manner as possible considering the site's importance.
"People will be able to climb up into the bird hides and be out of view but able to see the whole area and its bird life without disturbing the birds," Mr Speer explained.
There is already a caretaker in place at the Inch Lough site who assists visiting groups. The site is used by Birdwatch Ireland, school groups and local wildlife organisations.
Mr Speer complemented the local wild fowlers who last weekend undertook a clean up of the area. Some 30 plus volunteers turned out to collect rubbish and removed a large amount of refuse from the area.
"Once we have the paths and other works in place we will start to market the site more," Mr Speer added.
MOTORWAY STOP
Describing the importance of the Inch Lough area to migrating birds, Mr Speer compared to a major motorway service station.
"This is the first stop for birds on their way to Europe and they congregate here. They stop for a few weeks to feed. Some move on after they get well fed for the journey and some stay.
"There could be up to 6,000 swans on the lake in summer and as many as 4,500 geese during the winter months which attract quite a few bird watchers. This site is one of the best in Western Europe but it has never been properly developed and just a few people really appreciate its importance."
One of the most notable birds to use the Inch site is the Sandwich Tern. There could be as many as 400 breeding pairs on the site making it the second largest colony of Sandwich Terns in the country.
Add to these the large numbers of ducks, waders and birds of pray at the site and the Inch Lough area is sure to attract growing numbers of nature lovers once it is officially opened.
