Chronology

1989: Wicklow County Council decides to widen a seven-kilometre stretch of the N11 between Kilmacanogue and the the Glen of the…

1989: Wicklow County Council decides to widen a seven-kilometre stretch of the N11 between Kilmacanogue and the the Glen of the Downs.

1991: A local ecologist and Green Party activist, Mr Alex Perkins, writes to the council objecting to 40 per cent of the glen's ash and hazel trees being lost to the roadway. He later discovered it was planned to culvert a forest stream.

1992: Mr Perkins suggests that the road can be modified and narrowed at a critical point midway through the glen to preserve the stream and destroy fewer trees.

1994: The council writes to its members telling them that the Minister for the Environment had certified the route, taking on board amendments similar to those suggested by Mr Perkins.

READ MORE

1995: Another local, Mr Jim FitzPatrick, indicates that not everyone is happy with the compromise and points out that an environmental impact assessment was not done on the realigned sections.

1997, August: Compulsory purchase orders are expected for the realigned route, writes Frank McDonald, Environment Correspondent of The Irish Times.

1997, September: "No 64 Treetops, Glen of the Downs, Co Wicklow. A quiet, secluded residence with views of woodland and its own stream" is how reporter Richard Balls introduces the Irish Times coverage of the glen tree house protest.

1997, December: Druids, eco-warriors, vigil-keepers and anti-roads protesters are some of the names used to describe the mainly young people who celebrate the winter solstice at the glen. Some locals give food and timber.

1998, January: The council moves in for clearance work. Protesters and council agree a standoff pending a High Court case.

1998 June: Druids say they have placed a curse on trees. Council expresses concern over "loose talk" of trees being spiked with nails which would break a chainsaw blade.

1999, March: The protesters lose the High Court case and announce an appeal to the Supreme Court.

1999, November: The Supreme Court rules against the anti-road protesters, leaving no further legal avenue of appeal within the State.

1999, December 7th: The council begins felling trees.