Having surveyed the forest at Hazelwood, Coillte has decided to temporarily close the forest to the public while essential works take place following damage caused by Storm Eowyn. As of Wednesday 26th February there will be no access to the walks at Hazelwood until further notice. It is hoped to have the works completed and the forest reopened within 2 weeks. The access road to Hazelwood will be opened only to Coillte contractors who will transport the heavy duty equipment required to clear fallen trees into the forest.

As you can see from these photos taken on Monday 24th February, the damage is extensive. Trees have fallen across paths and some unstable trees have yet to fall but could easily do so. These trees will have to be felled and all fallen trees will have to be removed before Hazelwood is made safe for public access. In addition, the roots of fallen trees have destroyed sections of path, and these will also have to be replaced.

Please adhere to all of the safety notices posted by Coillte as these works get underway. In the immediate aftermath of Storm Eowyn, Coillte crews were dispatched to help ESB crews restore power after trees fell on power lines as well as helping Uisce Éireann to restore water to homes across Sligo and elsewhere. As we have previously reported, already Coillte crews have cleared the walks at Slish Wood, Dooney Rock, Union Wood and Benbulben Forest Walk. But some of the most severely damaged locations, which include Hazelwood, Carns Hill and the Rathcarrick access to Knocknarea, have yet to reopen, and in some cases it will be some time before it is safe to do so.

Please follow our social media feeds @sligowalks where updates will be posted as we receive them from Coillte.