High Court injunction remains in place as Thursday talks proposed over Merlin Woods

Talks between Galway City Council and Friends of Merlin Woods aimed at breaking the deadlock over tree-felling could take place this Thursday, as an interim High Court injunction remains in place.

Published 12th Oct 2026, 21:19 BST Updated 12th Oct 2026, 21:23 BST Galway City Council's image of Merlin Woods in 10 years time after replanting | Galway City Council Talks between Galway City Council and Friends of Merlin Woods aimed at breaking the deadlock over tree-felling could take place this Thursday, as an interim High Court injunction remains in place. The proposed meeting follows proceedings before Mr Justice Humphreys earlier today. He has asked both parties to engage in discussions aimed at resolving their differences over the ongoing tree-felling dispute.

The matter was raised at today's (Monday) meeting of Galway City Council, where councillors questioned the implications of the injunction and the safety of the woodland following recent storm damage.

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Speaking at the council meeting, officials outlined the latest position, saying both parties had been asked to agree the variations to the injunction. If this is not agreed mutually, it is listed for arguments before the court.

The interim injunction, secured by Friends of Merlin Woods and its founder Caroline Stanley, remains in place, preventing further tree felling and associated forestry works covered by the court order.

High Court orders temporary halt to tree felling at Merlin Woods Wildlife body the NPWS clarifies involvement in Merlin Woods biodiversity discussions Officials said that a meeting could take place later this week, possibly on Thursday, to establish what could and could not be agreed between the parties.

Any outstanding disagreements would be brought back before the High Court for determination.

At City Hall, Cllr Frank Fahy (FG) asked why mediation was necessary if the council had followed the appropriate procedures.

In response, Chief Executive, Leonard Cleary said the local authority remained confident that it had followed “the letter of the law”.

He said the council was “obliged to defend the injunction” proceedings and acknowledged that doing so would come at a cost to Galway City Council.

“The judge has asked us to continue engagements,” he said, “in the spirit of identifying solutions.

Read More Only one company responded to Merlin Woods works notice ‘Fallen trees’ at heart of dispute over Merlin Woods clear-felling Galway City Council puts €130,000–€160,000 value on Merlin Woods timber Councillors pressed the issue further.

“Where is this coming from in the budget?” asked Labour party Cllr Níall McNelis.

Speaking afterwards, Cllr Peter Keane (FF) told Galway Live that “when it is finished, there won't be much change from €150,000”.

Questions were also raised about what works could be undertaken while the injunction remains in force, particularly following storm damage to Merlin Woods last week.

Cllr Shane Forde (FG) asked how much tree felling had already taken place.

In response, Mr Cleary said he could not answer a question that went to the heart of a matter currently before the courts.

“As it is a matter before the court, I can't answer it. It is at the nub of the issue.”

The High Court proceedings arise from a dispute over a 3.5-hectare section of mature Norway spruce woodland at Merlin Woods.

Galway City Council has maintained that an independent arborist recommended harvesting the area after Storm Éowyn left the remaining trees more exposed and at risk of falling.

The council intends to replant the area with native broadleaf trees.

Friends of Merlin Woods disputes the need to remove all the standing trees and has argued that the woodland can be managed without clear-felling.

The group had welcomed the High Court's intervention under Section 160 of the Planning and Development Act, and said it hoped the pause would allow those involved to consider what was best for the woodland, its wildlife, including red squirrels, and the people of Galway.