Croagh Patrick pilgrim path is opened

A new pilgrim path is healing ‘the scars’ of Croagh Patrick.

Minister for Community and Rural Development, Heather Humphrey’s travelled to the mountain where she laid the final stone to mark the completion of a landmark restoration project.

Delivered in collaboration with the ‘Croagh Patrick Stakeholders Group’ this flagship project was hand-built over the course of three years.

The upgraded 4km pilgrim path will provide sustainable access to Croagh Patrick and address the substantial erosion of the mountain.

Thousands of tonnes of rock and soil were removed from the Reek to make it safe and accessible, as well as protecting the mountain.

A five-man team made up of Matt McConway, Frank McMahon, Tullio Pereira de Jesus, Bernard Burke and David Doyle toiled in all kinds of weather to ensure the project was completed.

Minister Humhpres praised the incredible effort.

“The overall spirit of collaboration is an example to communities all over the country and what can be achieved. The work undertaken by the team will ensure that people can continue to enjoy climbing the Reek in a sustainable way that protects the habitat of the mountain whilst also protecting the safety of the users,” she said.

The Minister said the project set a standard for the rest of the country.

“I want to say that what you have done here is an example to the rest of the country and I will certainly look favourably on any further requests for funding to keep the show on the road,” Minister Humphrey’s stated.

The Croagh Patrick Stakeholders Group was formed in 2015 to address the erosion of the existing pathway and help protect the natural environment and habitats on the mountain. Chair of the Group, Martin Keating said the completion of the path is a source of immence pride. He praised all those involved in the project.

“Today is principally a celebration of what we have achieved through collaboration and I feel a huge sense of pride and personal satisfaction that led us to this place. I also want to be the group responsible in ensuring the path infrastructure and management of it are secured for the future and we never have to witness a scarred and eroded and uncared for mountain again."

“I take great pride on behalf of the stakeholders group and the Murrisk community that Croagh Patrick, the mountain that people have come to for healing for generations, is now in a good place to heal itself,” he said.

Mr Keating thanked Deputy Michael Ring for his support and ingenuity. He said the Westport TD was ‘the ace up his sleeve’ when it came to securing funding.

Frank McCarrick, the Chairman of the Murrisk Development Association said the Reek has already seen a reduction in injuries and falls. He noted how a rescue helicopter could be seen circling the mountain at least once a week during the summer to tend to a casualty.

“Now today we might see a rescue helicopter at least once a month and undoubtedly life and limb has been saved by the work done on this path. No matter what the cost you cannot put a cost on life and limb.”