Carparks at forests to open next week
There some 20 forests across Co Derry owned by the Department for Ariculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
They had been shut to vehicles when the lockdown restrictions were put in place in March to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
At the end of last month, the forests were reopened to pedestrians only.
Said Minister Poots: “Our estate has been restricted to the public since late March in an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
“But I am very aware of how much people have missed our outdoor spaces and doing the things they love like walking, cycling and running – the things that are good for our hearts and good for our minds,” he says.
“Therefore, I have asked my department to make the necessary arrangements for DAERA-owned forests and country parks to gradually lift restrictions on a phased basis, starting with the reopening of car parks on Wednesday 27 May.
“Following discussions facilitated by my department, many other organisations including councils, have now indicated that they too, will begin to reopen their car parks at many of their sites on that date.”
Mr Poots warns that people need to be “sensible about how far they travel once car parking is available” as some amenities such as toilets, cafes, visitor centres and play parks will remain closed.
“People must still respect social distancing,” he says.
“It’s the start of our journey towards recovery and we must never let our guard down.”
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