Work is to start on repairing a pathway to the summit of Mount Errigal in Co Donegal after it was severely damaged in rain storms earlier this year.
The pathway to the summit of the west Donegal mountain was completed in October last year. Built at a cost of €630,000 (£536,577), the pathway was created to protect the mountain from erosion caused by thousands of walkers who climb the mountain annually.
![Heavy rain washed away parts of the new pathway to the summit of Mount Errigal. Picture by Errigal Mountain Project.](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/IYDREBEGAFFV5JR5IN6PAXBLXQ.jpg?auth=f38d8131e162c99c559816e275c173066ad511f05243b295833a76c1d5015cdb&width=800&height=887)
Standing at 751m, Mount Errigal is the largest mountain in the county. Its cone shape makes it instantly recognisable and images of the mountain are often used as symbols of Donegal.
Commanding spectacular views over the Poison Glen and west Donegal, Mount Errigal is hugely popular with walkers and hikers. However, following torrential rain in May, large parts of the pathway were destroyed. While the Errigal Mountain Project appealed to people not to climb the mountain in the aftermath of the damage, it remained popular with walkers.
Work on repairing the damage is due to start on Wednesday and is expected to last for a number of weeks, according to the Mount Errigal website.
A spokesman for the group said: “Part of the car park (at the base of the mountain) will be cordoned off to store materials and plant for the duration of the work. Please be advised that there will be limited car park space and that work will be taking place on the path for a period of weeks.”