A man has died and a second person has been injured following an incident involving a falling tree close to the entrance to Slieve Gullion Forest Park on the Dromintee Road in Newry. It's thought the man was working in the area at the time. The Dromintee Road remains closed.
Commenting on the fatality MLA Justin McNulty said, ‘“It is extremely upsetting to hear that a man has lost his life as a result of today’s weather conditions. It is sometimes too easy to forget the danger workers during adverse conditions face to keep the public safe.
“I want to send my condolences to his friends and entire family circle at this terrible time.
“I also want to take this opportunity to ask constituents to take care and remember the danger that can come with such extreme weather.”
Megan Fearon, MLA added “I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this man at this difficult time. The thoughts of our entire community are with them.
“I also want to commend the emergency services for risking dangerous conditions to respond swiftly to this incident to help others."
Storm Ali battered the area from mid morning felling many trees in rural areas of South Armagh and Down. Trees fell on the Mill Road and Millvale Road in Bessbrook, Omeath to Carlingford Road, Drumgath, Corgary Road, Glen Road and many more. A roof was also blown off a property in Warrenpoint close to Aylesforte Interiors.
The Dublin to Belfast train took almost 7 hours to get from Dublin to Newry with trees down on the line. One passenger commenting on Twitter said "Been on train from Dublin to Belfast since 9.30am. 3 trees l down on line. Now as far as Newry at 4.15pm"
