Council is urged to reopen forest park community trail

Council is urged to reopen forest park community trail

21 May 2025

SEVERAL months after Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc across the district, the community trail at Tievenadarragh Forest near Drumaness is still not accessible to the public.

South Down MLA Cathy Mason is urging Newry, Mourne and Down Council to carry out promised repairs at the forest immediately and criticised the delay in the work starting.

She said the forest was “severely damaged” in the Janaury storm.

“The lack of progress on carrying out the repairs is deeply frustrating and unacceptable,” Mrs Mason declared.

“Despite repeated assurances from the local council that work would begin weeks ago, no immediate action has been taken to address the damage or even begin restoration.”

Mrs Mason said Tievenadarragh was badly impacted during one of the worst storms in a generation and that since January, the community has waited patiently for action. 

“We were told work was due to start, but yet again we’re seeing delay after delay with no clear explanation,” the MLA declared.

“That’s simply not good enough and I share the frustration of the community.”

Mrs Mason said a detailed review is now planned to assess the scale of the work required and the resources needed to deliver it. 

But she has warned this must result in real and timely progress, not more excuses or delays.

“A review cannot become a substitute for action,” said Mrs Mason. “The people of the area deserve a forest that is safe, accessible, and properly maintained and its’ time for Newry, Mourne and Down Council to deliver.”

Mrs Mason said she is committed to securing the full restoration of Tievenadarragh Forest.

“This is a vital green space for our community and I will continue to press for the restoration it urgently needs and deserves,” she added.