To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what legislative powers are in place to enable staff to manage anti-social behaviour issues arising in (i) forest parks; and (ii) country parks, as part of his departmental remit.

The Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 is the legislative basis on which the powers of the Forestry Land Byelaws (Northern Ireland) 2013 are formed. The Byelaws can be used in response to anti-social behaviour in forest parks.

In respect of NIEA Country Parks there are no legislative powers in place which enable staff to specifically manage anti-social behaviour, responsibility for the enforcement of matters associated with anti-social behaviour rest with Council Authorities and the PSNI.

Site staff actively monitor country parks for anti-social behaviour and liaise with the relevant authorities including the PSNI as necessary when concerns are identified.

Country Park staff continue to actively manage anti-social behaviour in partnership with the relevant authorities and work hard when incidents occur, particularly around large crowds and gatherings, in order to ensure that all litter is removed as soon as possible and the affected area is checked and is considered to be safe for continued public enjoyment.