Hundreds of trees felled by Storm Éowyn at Loughgall and Darkley are finally to be cleared and moves made to replace them.
It was in January 2025 that the ‘red alert’ winds reaped unprecedented damage to local forest parks.
Work has taken place at Gosford Forest Park to clear large areas and replace trees lost in the storm.
Other areas – including Loughgall Country Park and Darkley Forest – are now to be locked at in a bid to bring about restoration.
Camlough, Cold Brae, Slieve Gullion and the Fews Forest in south Armagh are also in line for remedial actions this year.
Confirmation came from Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir in response to a written question by Newry and Armagh DUP MLA Gareth Wilson.
He has now welcomed news that “additional tree clearance and regeneration work” will be carried out across affected forests in Newry and Armagh.
Storm Éowyn – and other more recent storms – impacted more than 4,000 hectares of forest across the DAERA estate, according to Minister Muir.
“Service has prioritised the clearance of trees affecting public infrastructure, neighbours’ properties and public access to the forests, including in the Newry and Armagh constituency,” the Minister said.
“Following the completion of this high priority work, tree clearance remains to be completed in forests at Camlough, Cold Brae, Loughgall, Slieve Gullion, Darkley and Fews.
“The total area involved is estimated to extend to 120 hectares, which is planned for clearance in 2026/27.
“As the areas are cleared, repair and re-instatement of infrastructure and re-establishment of the forests will follow in line with approved regeneration plans.”
The update, that work will now proceed across Newry and Armagh, has been hailed by Mr Wilson.
He said: “These are well-used and valued public spaces and it is essential that they are made safe, accessible and restored as soon as possible.
“The scale of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn and subsequent severe weather has been significant, with thousands of hectares affected across the Forest Service estate.
“While I fully recognise that priority had to be given to clearing trees posing risks to infrastructure and public safety, it is encouraging to see that the next phase of work is now being planned.
“The commitment to clear approximately 120 hectares over the coming year represents an important step forward for our local forests and communities who rely on them for recreation, tourism and environmental benefit.
“Equally important is the assurance that, as clearance work progresses, this will be followed by repair of infrastructure and the re-establishment of woodland in line with regeneration plans.
“This is vital, not only to restore what has been lost, but to ensure our forests are resilient and fit for the future.
“I will continue to engage with the Department to ensure that this work is delivered without delay and that local residents see real progress on the ground.”
