Why is Merlin Woods exempt from a felling licence and what are Galway City Council’s obligations?
As clearing works continue at Merlin Woods, questions remain over what rules govern the future of the Galway city’s woodland.
The decisions made by local authorities are often shaped by development plans, strategies and policy documents adopted by councillors at the beginning of a council term. These strategies provide the framework for decisions on planning, infrastructure, biodiversity and land management.
The Irish Independent examined Galway City Council’s key policy documents to identify where Merlin Woods is exempt from national requirements, what commitments the local authority has made for the woodland, and whether those commitments are being delivered.
Clearing works ongoing. © Friends of Merlin Woods
Clearing works began on September 7 at Merlin Woods after Galway City Council announced a 2-stage restoration plan for the area following Storm Éowyn damage.
The first stage involves the removal of 15.41 hectares of conifer trees in identified areas - the size of 21 football pitches.
The arborist report published by Galway City Council revelas 17 separate clusters of trees showing storm damage. Thirteen of the identified clusters were categorised as ‘high risk’ as the report found two main corridors of windblown trees posing a potential threat to public safety.
In the second stage of the project, which is currently planned for 2027, Galway City Council plans to restore the woodland through the replanting of native species. However, the council has yet to secure funding for this phase.
Galway City Council said it intends to seek funding through the NeighbourWood Scheme, which can cover up to 85pc of eligible restoration costs for the development of woodland amenities.
The council has not yet applied under the scheme, which requires evidence of local support.
Under the Forestry Act 2014, a felling license is required to protect illegal clearing of trees. Applicants must outline replanting measures or land-use plans following the tree removal.
However, because Merlin Woods is located within an urban city area, the site is exempt from the felling licence under Section 19. The exemption also means Galway City Council was not required to have a restoration plan or funding in place before felling began.
Despite the exemption, Galway City’s key planning and climate strategies contain specific commitments relating to the protection and management of Merlin Woods.
Specific woodland and green space policy outlined in the Galway City Council CDP 2023-2029
Both the Galway City Development Plan (CDP) 2023-2029 and the Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LACAP) 2024-2029 identify Merlin Woods as a priority site for management and conservation.
Within the CDP, Merlin Woods is designated as a city park and established green space.
The plan includes a commitment to develop masterplans for priority parks, with “a particular emphasis on improving qualitative aspects of parks, promoting multifunctionality and taking into consideration the natural heritage value of each park”.
The development plan further states: “The Council will, where possible, protect trees, woodlands and hedgerows of special amenity or environmental value. The Council will work with stakeholders such as the Friends of Merlin Woods... to protect and enhance these valuable amenities within the city.”
The Climate Action Plan includes dedicated action to implement a management plan for Merlin Woods by the end of 2026.
At this time, no formal management plan has been published for the entirety of the woodlands.