Campaigners plan 'referendum' to save trees in Eyre Square

Environmentalists campaigning to save Eyre Square's trees in Galway plan to hold a "referendum" on the issue next month.

The Galway Environmental Alliance (GEA) has chosen Midsummer's Day for the vote and says that the aim is to "restore democracy in a way that is sadly lacking between elections". Galway City Council intends to fell some 90 mature trees in the square as part of a redesign of the city-centre area.

Late last year An Bord Pleanála approved permission for the landscaping, which has been designed as a series of terraces. The appeals board directed that 11 of the square's 100 trees be retained or transplanted close to their present position, along with another nine which were earmarked for retention.

The GEA has held several demonstrations and vigils, and almost 3,400 people signed a petition in support of retaining the trees.

In the referendum, people will be asked to vote on the motion "that the Eyre Square enhancement scheme be amended to incorporate the existing trees". The GEA will establish "polling stations" in the city centre, Salthill, Knocknacarra, Westside, Terryland, Ballybane and Renmore.