Waterfall Walkway Re-Opens at Glenariff Forest Park

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Ian Pearson MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for Agriculture and Rural Development, today announced the re-opening of the Waterfall Walkway at Glenariff Forest Park.

Minister Pearson said:

“The Waterfall Walkway offers visitors to the Forest Park a quite stunning experience with views of the Glenariff River, waterfalls, tranquil pools and rocky steep sided gorges. It is particularly attractive, being located in a National Nature Reserve where the moist microclimate is home to a rich diversity of plants.

“The Walkway has been a much used visitor experience since 1926 and its re-instatement is important for the enjoyment of the natural environment and for the benefits tourism brings to local businesses.

“The restoration of this walkway was an engineering challenge involving Forest Service, Construction Service and specialised engineering contractors.

“The work was necessary to ensure that this unique visitor experience remains for future generations to enjoy.”

During the Minister’s visit to Glenariff, and in discussions with local people, the Minister flagged up DARD’s plans to conduct a Customer Service Review, which aims to inform the Department on the views, attitudes and opinions of DARD’s external customers on the current delivery of its services and on future requirements.

1. Forest Service acquired the walks in 1969 from the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company.

2. A section of the Waterfall Walkway was closed to the public in September 2001 for safety reasons on the basis of an independent inspection and report.

3. Forest Service initiated plans to reinstate the walkway in conjunction with DFP Construction Service. Resources of over £300,000 have been committed to the re-instatement of the Waterfall Walkway.

4. Works included a detailed engineering study, complex construction in relatively inaccessible areas and also very specialised engineering stabilisation of the rock face.

5. Glenariff Forest Park attracts 45,000 paying visitors annually.

6. Photography of the Minister at the Waterfall Walkway is available from Harrison Photography.

7. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office Tel 028 9052 4979.