Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has visited Drum Manor Forest Park to assess the damage caused by recent storms and observe ongoing clean-up efforts.

Drum Manor is among several forests and country parks across Northern Ireland that suffered significant damage from Storms Darragh, Eowyn, and Herminia, resulting in reduced public access due to safety concerns.

Minister Muir met with Forest Service staff and contractors who are working to clear fallen trees and restore access to public facilities. "It's truly shocking to see the damage inflicted to our local forests and country parks by the recent storms," said Minister Muir. "Many of our oldest and most precious trees, some over 100 years old, have been lost."

Other severely impacted forests include 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," Minister Muir continued. "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."

The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by Forest Service staff and contractors in restoring access to the parks.

"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," he said. "They have also assisted with the clean-up efforts of roads, residential properties and neighbouring businesses and in the reconnection of the electricity supply."