AQO 1624/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 13/02/2025
Answered On Date: 26/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the damage to forests and country parks as a result of Storm Éowyn.

Answer:

Many of my Department’s forests have suffered significant damage from Storm Éowyn and the impacts are widespread throughout the estate. Forests which have been particularly affected include; Drum Manor, Gosford, Tardree, Mount Stewart, Ballysallagh, Tollymore, Castlewellan, Lough Navar, Favour Royal, Mullaghafad and Kesh.

Forest Service’s assessment of the extent of woodlands damaged is based on initial reports from local managers, neighbours and the general public. Also, on drone footage and aerial surveillance which was undertaken in the week following the storm across the forest estate. The full extent of the damage to woodlands has still to be quantified and will require follow-up ground surveys, mapping and analysis of spatial data which is ongoing and will take a number of weeks to complete.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the focus was to prioritise the Department’s, and available contractor capability, in clearance works to reinstate access for neighbours and businesses. Also, my Department worked with other agencies to reopen public roads and assist in reconnecting electricity and utility supplies. We are continuing our work, including with recreational partners, to expedite tree clearance works in areas most affected by reduced recreational provision.

My Department’s country park sites were also significantly affected by Storm Éowyn which resulted in damage to woodland areas and many fallen trees. While access to numerous sites was initially blocked, and some sites were closed in the immediate aftermath of the storm, arboriculture contractors were engaged by my officials and these sites are now open to public access. There were reports of damage to neighbouring property, however officials continue to work with affected landowners to resolve this.