The so-called "eco-warriors" who are occupying land in the Glen Of The Downs, Co Wicklow, in protest at a road-widening scheme are expected to appear in the High Court today. The appearance follows a confrontation between the protesters and Wicklow County Council last Wednesday, after which the council was granted an injunction restraining the protest group from trespassing on its land.
The council, meanwhile, has agreed to stop cutting or removing further trees pending today's hearing.
Since Wednesday's disturbances it has emerged that the protest group is largely camped on land not belonging to the council and not required by the road-widening scheme.
On Friday, Wicklow county secretary, Mr Bryan Doyle, said only a small number of "trespassers" were now camped in trees destined to be felled. A private security firm had been employed by the council to prevent further incursions onto its property.
However, Mr Dermot Murphy, one of the individuals named in the injunction, said yesterday he was hopeful today's hearing would result in a judicial review of the council's plans for a dual-carriageway through the glen.
Mr Murphy said since Wednesday's hearing many visitors to the glen were "very disappointed to learn that they cannot gain access to the car park or the woods without crossing the council land. This land is itself the subject of the court order banning trespass, so many people feel that there is a civil liberties issue being raised."
He said protesters were confident that they had a strong legal case against the roadworks.
Mr Murphy added that a city centre protest march was being organised for Saturday, beginning at Parnell Square, Dublin.