Over £200k funding secured to redevelop Drumcairne forest

AN agreement to transfer the lease agreement for Drumcairne Forest at Stewartstown to Mid Ulster District Council has been hailed as ‘paving the way for transformative works as the council will have greater ability to develop and maintain the area’.

Sinn Féin councillor, Niamh Doris, who had requested the transfer, said, “Finally, after a long lobby from residents it is fantastic to see movement for Drumcairne Forest.

“It is a wonderful asset right here in Mid Ulster; however, it has been significantly overlooked, and underdeveloped, for far too long.

“This has caused much frustration within the community, as a number of projects have been unable to be delivered as a result of the licensing agreements.”

Cllr Doris stated that she was approached last summer by a local community group, who had been accepted for funding to plant flowers along the driveway of the forest, which would have included local primary schools.

However, due to the council not having the necessary liability to carry this out, it could not get the go-ahead from the local authority.

She added, “I am delighted to now confirm that council have secured improved licensing agreements, and secured over £200,000 worth of funding for Drumcairne Forest. Works are expected to take place on the ground in the next few months.

“Within the first phase of works, the forest is expected to undergo improvements in the car park, a picnic area, signage for trails, the ponds to be cleaned out, and a disability-friendly path is to be introduced.

“I would like to thank the community group and residents who fed into the consultation process way back in April 2021 in huge numbers.

“These developments are a direct result of the work that was carried out at that time, and the community of Stewartstown and surrounding areas deserves to be commended for it.”