Minister is welcomed to Cairn Wood to see progress

The MLA added: ‘I was delighted to extend an invite to the Environment Minister Edwin Poots along to Cairn Wood to see the very exciting development 
at Cairn Wood which is now nearing completion and handover.

“This is an exciting partnership between the minister’s department Forest Service funded through the DEARA Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Fund, alongside Ards and North Down Borough Council. Cairn Wood provides a place of peace, leisure and recreation in a rural but yet convenient location and is enjoyed by so many people, both residents and visitors alike.

“The new and greatly extended and improved resurfaced car park which will include electric car ‘EV’ charging points, an improved entranceway and accessible toilet facilities will bring a real boost to this wonderful local amenity.

“The natural trails and forest are real and valuable assets for the local area and I am delighted that this natural area of beauty is now being developed.

“The minister took a great interest and was very impressed with the scheme and how it was progressing after meeting with the council officers, DAERA officials and the contractors.

“I know there are exciting plans for further phased development of this facility, with new trails being planned and there has been a considerable amount of work carried out between the council and the Forest Service to date.

“I was closely involved in 2016, when the continued public use of Cairn Wood was under potential threat, and worked extensively alongside the Forest Service and the then Executive ministers to secure its future within public ownership as it was transferred to the Forest Service.”

Ards and North Down DUP councillor Stephen Dunne added: ‘This is a very well used local attraction and there is real excitement to have this facility reopened once again for public use after it has been closed during this period of construction works.

“I hope that the new improvement works which are the first phase of investment will be worth the wait and the new facilities will be a very welcome development for many.

“Following the completion of this first phase, the council also has exciting plans to invest in upgrading the trail paths within the wood and I will continue to push for progress for this wonderful area.

“I would like to commend the department and the council for working together on delivering this initial phase of investment.

“The importance of exercise and enjoying our natural environment, has never been more valuable for our physical and mental wellbeing and this new work will help to compliment this great attraction on our doorstep.”