Galway City Council is planning to restore native woodland at Merlin Woods which was heavily damaged by Storm Eowyn more than a year and a half ago, replacing the spruce which previously made up much of the woods.
Since the 1960s Merlin Woods has contained a lot Norway spruce trees, making up about 50% of the woodland. These were heavily damaged by Storm Eowyn in January 2025, while the native and broadleaf species were least affected.
The council is currently advancing plans to clear the damaged areas of the woodland and replant with the goal of creating a native woodland and public park, with initial clearance works to commence in the coming weeks.
More than half of the woodland (54%) remains intact today and will be protected during the clearance works. Some standing conifers remain close to public paths, and Galway City Council sought expert advice from an independent arborist on the feasibility of retaining them.
However, it is expected that the clearance works will leave these trees exposed and weakened, meaning they will need to be removed for public safety reasons.
The Council’s plans have been informed by expert advice from an independent arborist and from Dr Colin Lawton of the University of Galway’s Zoology Department, ensuring that public safety, biodiversity and the protection of the resident red squirrel population are central to the restoration proposals.
Irish Forestry Services Ireland, on behalf of Galway City Council, is preparing an application to the Department under the NeighbourWood Scheme to secure funding for the replanting works.
Securing funding will depend on demonstrating local support for the replanting project and proposed amenity features, including trails, seating, signage and an outdoor classroom for schools and summer camps.
An independent arborist appointed by the Council stated, “This recommendation is a considered approach considering the topography of the site, the geology, the location in proximity to the western seaboard and tree species characteristics. I am recommending that the 3.5-hectare area is harvested and replanted with native broadleaf tree species.”
At an early stage of the project, Galway City Council engaged with Dr Colin Lawton of the University of Galway’s Zoology Department and author of the Irish Squirrel Survey to seek expert advice on how best to support the resident red squirrel population and inform the restoration plans.
His support for the replanting works and invaluable advice has directly influenced the harvest plan, including decisions relating to tree retention, post-harvest planting and a supplementary squirrel feeding programme, which the Council will put in place immediately. The areas of retained trees will provide continuous canopy cover for the squirrel population and other wildlife in the woods.
Commenting on the project, Dr Lawton said; “Although the loss of any forest habitat is a blow, if we can replace coniferous trees with a mix of broadleaved trees, particularly hazel, it would be beneficial to them in the long term.
We have seen the benefits of supplementary feeding for red squirrels in urban parks previously, including Belleek Forest Park in Ballina…. It could be a very good community outreach project, and volunteers/community groups could be brought in to help stock the feeders and monitor the squirrels. ”
