Minister offers her assurances over Woodburn 'rave'

They have been instructed to report any signs of parties or anti-social activity to the police.

Public access to areas of the forest is already restricted in a bid to stop the spread of the tree-killing disease Pythophthora ramorum.

Battling a second front in the form of illegal gatherings is something the department and local representatives are keen to avoid.

Protection of the popular location was the pressing concern for Alderman David Hilditch MLA when he tackled the Agriculture Minister on the subject.

As part of a written Assembly Question, the DUP representative asked Michelle Gildernew what steps she is taking to “prevent illegal raves being held in our forests”.

The Minister said she was aware of these type of events taking place but they were “infrequent”.

She continued: “Nevertheless, we take a range of actions to prevent unauthorised vehicular usage of forest roads and any associated activities. These include external access points being closed with steel barriers or gates. All direct employees and contractors are routinely instructed about the need to keep these securely padlocked when not in use.

“In addition, during their visits to the forests our maintenance staff will note any indication of rave and this will be referred to local managers for their attention. Following incidents of rave parties or other similar anti-social activity, action will be taken where possible to try and identify the offenders.”

The Minister added that officers will liaise with the PSNI and council environmental health officers and all known information will be passed to them for appropriate action.

There was anger last month after girls in their mid teens were discovered sleeping in hedges the morning after the event which reportedly took place at Woodburn reservoir and was also linked to alleged damage to houses and cars.

At the time NI Water said it had found no evidence of any social gatherings on its property.

Welcoming the Minister’s response, Mr Hilditch said: “I am proud of the forest areas we have in Carrickfergus, I want to see them used by walkers, fishermen and others who enjoy outdoor pursuits and not destroyed by the likes of anti-social behaviour, I encourage the Minister and her Department to do all that she can to protect them.”