Plans to deal with damage to Dark Hedges caused by vehicles parking under the trees

Plans are afoot to deal with the ongoing issue of cars and coaches parking under the trees at the Dark Hedges causing irreparable damage.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Dec 2021, 07:04 BST
Updated 11th Dec 2021, 07:07 BST
The Dark Hedges were made famous in hit TV series Game of ThronesThe Dark Hedges were made famous in hit TV series Game of Thrones
The Dark Hedges were made famous in hit TV series Game of Thrones

Causeway Coast & Glens councillors were told that there are ‘short term and long term plans’ during a deputation by DfI Roads, Northern Division.

The Dark Hedges has been described as one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland.

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It was made famous in hit television series Game of Thrones, however, visitors parking at the site has caused damage to the road verges and even the roots of the centuries-old beech trees.

Two of the famous trees were recently brought down in Storm Barra, with fears increasing the landmark could be lost for good if something isn’t done.

UUP Alderman Joan Baird asked Colin Hutchinson, divisional roads manager for DfI Roads Northern Division, if ‘we can get the road closed.’

Alderman Baird added: “I know the farmers there and I don’t believe any of them would have any objections to keeping a key for a barrier. 

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“It’s getting ridiculous now. As you know there is car parking there and if people aren’t using the car parking it’s just plain lazy. People should be jolly well made to use the car park that is available. 

“It’s destroying the hedges and we have had two more trees down. Please try and get that road closed, even semi-permanently.”

Mr Hutchinson responded: “We are working closely with all stakeholders to provide a solution there both in the short term and long term.

“In the short term we will be enhancing the signage for the car parking and also where you turn into the Dark Hedges we will be providing a gateway there to make it very clear you should not be there.”

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Related topics:Northern Ireland