News

Tree safety works planned at the N11 at the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve during the month of February

Date Released: Friday, January 30, 2026

  • Works to involve felling of non-native and damaged trees which pose a public safety hazard
  • Work undertaken will protect unique woodland habitat and wildlife at Glen of the Downs
  • Details and updates on impact to N11 users publicised by Transport Infrastructure Ireland

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has today (Friday January 30th) outlined further details of tree safety management works planned on the N11 at the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve throughout the month of February. The works are being undertaken in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and will involve felling of damaged and non-native trees, which are currently creating a public safety hazard. The works also aim to prevent the regrowth of non-native trees, allowing the native woodland to thrive.

Approximately 85 trees will be felled at ground level. As recommended by a review of tree safety in the area, trees that will be felled are those assessed as having an increased likelihood of failure within a three-year timeframe, and which require proactive management to reduce risk to road users on the N11. The majority of these are Ash trees suffering from Ash dieback, along with non-native trees including Sycamore and Beech. Additional trees will have crown reduction, branch trimming and stem reduction. Some treated Cherry Laurel, an invasive species that overhangs the N11 will also be removed as part of the project.

All of the work will follow best practice to protect the unique native woodland habitat at the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve and the project has undergone a Screening for Appropriate Assessment. Felling and preventing re-growth of non-native trees protects the native woodland habitat as it favours native species and removes the seed source for non-native trees. Native species will be allowed to sprout again from the base and non-native species will be stump-treated to prevent re-growth.

All trees are being checked for signs of hibernating or roosting bats and a small number of trees will involve supervision of a specialist bat ecologist during the work. Where possible, and where it does not pose a safety hazard, timber and brash will be left on site as a deadwood component that is a valuable habitat feature in woodland. Following completion of the works, the more open canopy should see tree regeneration quite quickly, and NPWS will continue to monitor it to ensure a healthy native woodland continues to grow in the affected area.

An extensive information campaign is underway by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to advise road users of the impact of the works. Road closures will be in place from February 3rd on the N11 dual carriageway from Junctions 7 (Bray South) to 11 (Kilpedder), on Monday to Friday from 9 pm until 6am. For further information about the closures and their impact, visit TII Traffic.

Further Information

The Glen of the Downs is a designated Nature Reserve in north Co. Wicklow, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service for its woodland habitat. In 2025 NPWS acquired lands adjacent to the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve which increased it to 100 hectares. A long-term woodland management plan for the site is at an advanced stage and will be published in due course.