Galway City Council is advancing plans to replant Merlin Woods as a native woodland, creating a more resilient habitat and community amenity following the extensive damage caused by Storm Eowyn in January 2025.
The following is some information about the project in a Q&A format.
Q. Why are Galway City Council carrying out tree clearance in Merlin Woods?
For decades, Merlin Woods has been a mix of broadleaf and conifer trees and has been enjoyed by people and wildlife alike. Approximately 50% of the woodland is made up of Norway spruce, which were planted in the 1960s as a commercial plantation crop. The vast majority of these trees were severely damaged during Storm Eowyn.
It is worth noting that the areas least affected by Storm Eowyn are made up predominantly of native and broadleaf species, demonstrating the resilience of native woodland. Norway spruce is not a native species.
What is the plan?
The plan is in two stages
Stage 1 – Clearance of storm damages trees
- Clear trees that have been damaged by Storm Eowyn
Stage 2 – Replanting with native species & restoration of the woods as public amenity
- Immediate planting post clearance to create corridors for wildlife
- NeighbourWood Scheme application to the Department for funding for restoration works
- Planting the woodland with native species post award of funding
Objectives of the plan
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To bring the woodland back into safe use by the public as an urban woodland
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To replant it as a native woodland under the NeighbourWood Scheme
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To put in amenity features funded by the NeighbourWood Scheme
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To implement mitigation measures to support Red Squirrels such as
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Planting immediately post clearance to create corridors for wildlife.
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A feeding programme for native squirrels prior to commencement
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The plan includes the retention of:
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existing native and broadleaf trees
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protection of limestone/karst habitats
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protection of national monuments and built heritage
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measures to retain the integrity of existing stonewalls
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The minimisation of:
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The impact on the wildlife
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The impact habitats
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Q. What will be felled and what will be retained?
33.41 hectares is the total area of Merlin Woods
18 hectares will be retained (that is 54% of existing trees)
4.34 hectares of the retained area is standing conifer Norway spruce
15.41 hectares will be cleared - this is fallen or damaged conifer trees will be cleared
Q. How are the stages of work being funded?
Stage 1 of the project is the clearance of storm damages trees which is being carried out on a cost-neutral basis to the Council. This means that there will be no payment to the contractor for the work for clearing the trees.
Stage 2 of the project is the replanting of the conifer areas with native species and restoration of the woods as public amenity. Funding will be sought from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through the NeighbourWood Scheme. This could include up to 85% of the costs for the restoration works, which would be given to Galway City Council. The reminder will need to be covered by other funding streams, and/or from the Council’s budgets.
Q. What is the NeighbourWood Scheme?
The NeighbourWood Scheme aims to increase the suitability of Ireland’s woodlands and forests for recreational use, by supporting the silvicultural enhancement of existing woodlands and forests and the introduction of appropriate recreational facilities. The scheme provides a range of options to support private and public forest owners considering developing their forest into attractive, easily-accessible local woodlands for the recreational use and enjoyment by communities in both urban and rural parts of Ireland. Such woodlands have been shown to deliver significant social and environmental benefits, promote physical and mental health and wellbeing amongst visitors, and represent a valuable resource within the surrounding locality.
For more information on the NeighbourWood Scheme fund please go to NeighbourWood Scheme