A number of Glen of the Downs protesters undertook at the High Court yesterday not to occupy or enter lands at the Glen of the Downs in breach of a court order of October last preventing trespassing. Other protesters who were not present yesterday are to give similar undertakings on Friday.
Mr Justice McCracken warned that "there had to be, and there must be" severe prison sentences if the undertakings were broken.
Undertakings had been given not to obstruct further the work of Wicklow County Council at the glen.
The court was crowded yesterday with supporters of the campaign against the council's plan to build a dual carriageway though part of the glen.
Late on Sunday night and early yesterday, a number of protesters were arrested at the glen and in the precincts of the Four Courts.
Yesterday's proceedings were brought by Wicklow County Council, which last October had secured an injunction restraining interference with its works at the glen, including felling large numbers of trees, or trespassing.
There were three adjournments of yesterday's hearing to allow consultations between lawyers and clients.
In the afternoon, Mr Colm Mac Eochaidh, for some of the protesters, said his clients were happy to give undertakings to the court but said they wanted the area at the centre of the dispute to be delineated in a such a way as to allow them to know "what side of the line" they were on.
Mr James Connolly SC, for the council, said the area concerned would be delineated by stakes.
Wicklow County Council is constructing a £35 million dual carriageway at the glen on the route from Dublin to the southeast. Last week, council workers felled trees in preparation for the road development. Previously, the High Court was told that delays due to the protracted litigation over the carriageway were costing about £15,000 a week.