STORMONT-controlled forests and country parks are being prepared for the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
Access to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) estate has been restricted for members of the public since lockdown measures were introduced in March.
Agriculture minister Edwin Poots said he was aware that the outdoor spaces have been missed.
“Therefore, I have asked my department to make the necessary arrangements for DAERA-owned forests and country parks to gradually lift restrictions on a phased basis, starting with the reopening of car parks on Wednesday May 27,” he said.
“Following discussions facilitated by my department, many other organisations including councils, have now indicated that they too, will begin to reopen their car parks at many of their sites on that date.”
Mr Poots added that other amenities will remain closed for now.
