Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister has visited Drum Manor Forest
Park, which suffered significant damage following Storms Darragh,
Éowyn and Herminia, to see the clean up efforts.
Drum Manor Forest Park is one of many forests and country parks
that were severely impacted by the storm and has resulted in
greatly reduced access due to public safety issues.
Minister Muir met with Forest Service staff and contractors, who
have worked diligently to assess the extent of damage and are
carrying out priority clearance works, in particular, those
affecting residential properties and neighbouring businesses.
This includes restoring access to public facilities such as
toilets.
Speaking of his visit, Minister Muir said: “It's truly shocking
to see the damage inflicted to our local forests and country
parks by the recent storms. Many of our oldest and most precious
trees, some over 100 years old have been lost. Some of the worst
hit forests are Drum Manor, Gosford, Tardree, Tollymore,
Castlewellan, Riversdale, Lough Navar, Favour
Royal, Fardross, Mullaghafad and Kesh.
“Many forests have greatly reduced public access for public
safety reasons and several facilities remain unavailable. Further
assessment and works to reinstate access has commenced across the
forest estate and is expected to be ongoing for a number of weeks
in many forests. The public should check on NIDirect or local
council websites, to see when the forests and country parks are
accessible to visit again and respect all public safety signage.
“While our country parks are now mostly open to the public, works
to fully restore public access to all areas are ongoing.
Electricity supply issues remain and the Forest Service staff and
contractors are working closely with NIE to restore power in many
rural locations.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the many Forest
Service and Country Park staff, and the specialist contractors,
who have been working tirelessly to make our estate safe again.
They have also assisted with the clean-up efforts of roads,
residential properties and neighbouring businesses and in the
reconnection of the electricity supply.”
