As a major woodland clearance operation gets underway in Merlin Woods, Galway City Council has closed a number of pathways and introduced 24-hour patrols following damage to fencing and other security measures.

Galway City Council has this week begun a major clearance operation in Merlin Woods after the extensive damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

On September 9, Galway City Council has announced a number of pathways through the woods will be closed to the public until mid-December.

The closures had originally been scheduled to take effect next week as part of the ongoing works in the park.

However, damage to “the perimeter fencing and ecological protection measures” has prompted the immediate closure of some pedestrian routes.

The council explained that the northern pathways near the Merlin Woods Community Project will remain open and connect to Merlin Castle and the western entrance to Merlin Park University Hospital.

Multiple southern pathways including the main connection through the woods will be closed, including the lane entrance from the eastern entrance of the hospital.

The council has advised that continued damage to site fencing and security measures could result in further restrictions, such as closing the park in its entirety, including the access along the school route.

Security and 24-hour patrols will also be introduced, and additional measures will be implemented to fully secure the construction area.

This week Galway City Council began a major two-phase felling and replanting intiative following damage caused by Storm Éowyn in January 2025.

The works will see approximately 15 hectares of storm-damaged woodland and 48pc of conifers in the area cleared.

The first phase will involve removing trees deemed damaged or unstable following the storm. The work will be carried out on a “cost-neutral basis” by contractor EuroForest Timeber Ireland Ltd. A second phase, subject to funding, would see damaged conifer plantations replaced with native tree species and additional restoration measures introduced throughout the woodland.

However, local groups recently shared their concerns about the impact the works will have on wildlife, heritage and archaeological features in the area.

Merlin Woods covers approximately 33 hectares, with council officials estimating that almost half the woodland was affected by Storm Éowyn. According to the local authority, around 54pc of the woodland remains intact.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.