A walkway around the lake was first promoted by the Emyvale Development Association in 1936, however this did not materialise. Monaghan County Council constructed a four metre wide pathway around the lake as far as the bathing area in the 1950s. They also did some work on paving the swimming area in the 1960s. FAS maintains the pathway and provided a slide for children in the 1980s.

Glaslough, Tyholland Group Water Scheme extended the pathway to the site of their new pumphouse with full veichle access available on a restricted basis for servicing.

In 1996 Donagh Development Association obtained the permission of nine landowners to construct a walkway extending the pathway to join the existing Monaghan County Council car park at Derrygasson to the small car park constructed by the angling association in the 1970s at the Killycooley sluice end of the lake.

In 1999 Donagh Development Association obtained planning permission.

The Association started continuous fund raising but they were unable to secure any grant aid until 2004. In 2004, Cavan/Monaghan Leader agreed to make 50 per cent of the cost available to the association. The first phase of the walkway was constructed over the land of the first two landowners and extended to 454 metres.

Encouraged by the success of the walkway and the use being made of it on a daily basis, the association applied for renewal of the planning permission in 2005 and the retention of features of the pathway that were not foreseen in the original application in 1997.

Fundraising continued to provide the community share of completing the walkway and its ongoing maintenance costs and every opportunity is being taken to secure grant aid. However, Monaghan County refused the planning renewal and retention application in 2007 and the appeal has been with An Bord Pleanala since. We recieve monthly letters from the Bord saying they require more time to reach a decision. Donagh Development are a small, voluntary, non-profit organistion who are being asked on a daily basis why the pathway is not being completed. The only answer we can give is that it is being held up by red tape regarding planning and lack of funding due to current non-availability of appropriate funding.

The project was first mooted by a group of Monaghan businessmen in 1936. A survey carried out showed that 88 per cent of residents wanted this amenity and attraction in their area completed. Donagh Development adopted the project. Over 50 local and National associations and groups have sent in letters of support for the project. A feasibility study was carried out by Peter Quinn (ex-GAA President) recommending cross border support for a more extensive development at the lake.

Monika Donnelly of the Sliabh Beagh group conducted a further feasibility study recommending the completion of the walkway as a much needed amenity and attraction to the area and a further feasibility study recommending the completion of the walkway as a much needed amenity and attraction to the area and an important part of the Sliabh Beagh Walking Loop.

Emylough is just off the N2 on the Glaslough Road out of Emyvale. Its is within walking distance of Emyvale village and just 10 minutes away from Glaslough village and Castle Leslie. It is 6 miles from Monaghan Town and 2 miles from Northern Ireland.

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