The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has visited Drum Manor Forest Park, in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, to survey the “significant” damage inflicted during Storms Darragh, Éowyn and Herminia.
Drum Manor Forest Park, is one of the many forests and country parks that were severely impacted by the recent onslaught of storms in Northern Ireland, and which reported significantly restricted access due to the resulting public safety issues at hand.
According to Muir, other forests that have encountered significant storm damage, include Gosford, Tardree, Tollymore, Castlewellan, Riversdale, Lough Navar, Favour Royal, Fardross, Mullaghafad and Kesh.
Muir met with forest service staff, contractors and first responders, who have all reportedly worked diligently in the clean-up efforts that have taken place in the aftermath of the storms.
While in attendance, Muir assessed the extent of damage and the progress achieved thus far, particularly in terms of priority clearance works, including the restoration of public amenities and access to public facilities such as toilets.
Andrew Muir
Speaking of his recent 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.
“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.”
He had advised people to check on NIDirect or on local council websites, to see when forests and country parks are accessible to the public again, and he has warned people to respect all public safety signage in place.
“While our country parks are now mostly open to the public, works to fully restore public access to all areas are ongoing,” Muir added.
“Electricity supply issues remain and the Forest Service staff and contractors are working closely with NIE networks 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,” he added.
