Deborah Girvan, Chairwoman of Friends of Columbanus Bangor has welcomed support from local politicians for the development of the Columban Way in Northern Ireland. Naomi Long MLA, leader of the Alliance Party, and Ards and North Down UUP Councillor Philip Smith, recently pledged their support by signing the Columban Charter for Partnership. In addition, they were both given a copy of the Columban Way Mapping Project book.

Deborah Girvan explained, “To ensure that our local politicians from all the political parties have a good understanding of the economic, tourism, and well-being benefits that the Columban Way can bring to rural areas, Friends of Columbanus Bangor members have been endeavouring to meet local MPs, MLAs and councillors in the areas that the route passes through. This is a time-consuming exercise but very worthwhile as once they are fully informed and understand the vision to establish a long-distance walking trail in Northern Ireland that is linked to Europe, they are more than happy to support this ambitious project.”