Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has taken the decision to close forest parks and play areas to limit the spread of Covid-19.

As of Friday, March 27, the Council has implemented temporary measures which will remain under active review.

They have taken the decision to close the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, Co. Fermanagh and Gortin Glens Forest Park along with the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark and its associated sites at Ely Lodge, Lough Navar, Castle Archdale, Castle Caldwell and Killykeegan. All Council play areas and Multi Use Games Areas are also closed.

Speaking about Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s response, Chairwoman of the Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie, said: “The safety of the general public and Council staff remains of paramount importance and the Council’s measures, however difficult, have been put in place for the benefit of everyone.”

She added: “It was extremely concerning to see and hear of so many reports last weekend of people coming together in large crowds and showing total disregard for social distancing and ‘stay at home’ advice. It is vital that people only go out when it is essential for them to do so to protect both themselves and others.”

Environment Minister Edwin Poots made the move to shut down public access to DAERA-owned forest and country parks following a surge in visitor numbers over recent weeks, with many ignoring the social distancing advice and in light of the latest government advice. Car parks will be closed to all vehicles, playparks and on-site toilet facilities are now closed along with camping amenities, museums, mobile concessions and visitor centres.

Minister Poots said: “These unprecedented moves are to save lives. I realise this is a disappointing decision, especially to families with children out of school and others using the facilities for physical and mental health reasons. But we are not living in normal times, it is not business as usual. We are all in this together and we must do the right thing for each other.”

The Minister noted that his department had witnessed hundreds of people gathering at popular beaches and parks and not following all the medical advice on social distancing.

He continued: “The car parks on many of our sites were packed to capacity with day-trippers. There was also a huge rise in footfall, but instead of safe wide-open spaces for people to get out into the fresh air, we’ve seen people failing to keep themselves and each other safe from this virus.”

“This can’t continue. So I am stopping public access to our parks, forests and nature reserves where possible. Our car parks will be closed to all vehicles and I’m also urging people not to visit on foot either – it’s just not worth the risk. I’m doing my bit to help save lives – please do yours and stay at home,” he added.

After originally offering free access to their grounds, parks and gardens, the National Trust in Fermanagh took the decision to close on March 21 to help restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

A spokeswoman for the National Trust in Fermanagh had stated: “We’ve sadly taken the decision to close Florence Court, Crom and Castle Coole’s grounds, parks and gardens, in addition to our houses, shops and cafés, to help restrict the spread of coronavirus.

“We know that people are likely to need space and fresh air in the coming weeks and months and we will do all we can to provide access wherever possible.”

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