• National Tree Week runs next week from 4th to 10th March
• Organised by Tree Council of Ireland and jointly sponsored by O2 and Coillte
• Over 300 free public events organised across the country

An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D., today launched National Tree Week 2007, which runs from 4th to 10th March. Organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and jointly sponsored by Coillte and O2, the theme of this year's week, now in its 23rd year, is Trees for Energy, highlighting the important contribution of trees as a natural source of renewable energy in Ireland.

Over 300 free public events will take place across the country during National Tree Week, including forest walks, seminars and talks, workshops, tree planting ceremonies and exhibitions.  In addition, over 15,000 trees, supplied by Coillte, will be distributed to schools and community groups by every local authority in the country.  Free events guides are available from all O2 Stores and Coillte offices. 

Speaking today at the launch of National Tree Week in Farmleigh, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D., said "The theme for this year is Trees for Energy.  When we think of trees and more specifically the concept of forests, many things come to mind – principally their place in nature.  But forestry is also about the wider environment.  It is about clean air, it is about jobs, it is about health and recreation.  Wood is a clean, renewable, effective and indigenous source of energy – particularly for heat.

The focus on renewables and particularly home produced fuels has greatly increased in recent times with growing awareness of the urgency of the issue of climate change, but also as a result of the rise in the price of imported fossil fuels and concerns about the security of international supplies.  The Government has put in place a cross-Departmental approach to developing and implementing renewable energy policy.  A target of 13% of energy production from renewable sources by 2010 has been set.

Wood will play a significant role in achieving this target. In 2004, wood provided nearly 60% of all Ireland's renewable energy – that is a figure many people are not aware of.  Wood biomass is one of the most versatile of renewable energy resources and most importantly is also carbon neutral, sustainable and locally grown."

Also speaking at today's launch, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, Dorothy Hayden said: "The aim of National Tree Week is to raise awareness about trees and encourage local communities to participate in the events which will take place around the country during the week.  Trees are an essential part of our environment and something as simple as planting a tree can contribute to supporting our environment in a meaningful way. I'd like to thank everybody who has worked hard on the various events coming up in the week ahead and I would ask everyone to either take part in a local event or take five minutes during National Tree Week to contemplate the important role that trees play in our lives."

Danuta Gray, CEO, O2 Ireland, said "O2 Ireland is delighted to be involved for the fourth year in National Tree Week, an excellent initiative that encourages us to cherish our environment.  This year, more than ever, the world is focused on global warming, and the changes in behaviour that are now required to ensure  our way of life is secured for future generations.  The theme this year, 'trees for energy', is particularly apt as I am pleased to announce today a new tree planting initiative from O2 which will see  8,500 trees planted by Coillte on our behalf in Mullaghmeen Forest, Co. Westmeath. Each tree planted will be in recognition of a purchase from an O2 Store during National Tree Week.  A tree will also be planted for each member of our own staff."

Speaking at the launch of Tree Week, David Gunning, Chief Executive of Coillte said: "For us every week is tree week and "Trees for Energy" - is a theme close to our hearts. Trees are the original renewable resource and are a part of the solution to sustainable energy. They provide a Carbon Sink, they produce energy and when processed by our world class manufacturing plants in Waterford and Clonmel, deliver high-value Irish products which are used in over 20 countries worldwide. Coillte is proud to be a committed player in the forestry and timber sector in Ireland and part of the ongoing education process about trees through Tree Week. "

Trees are recognised as one of the most essential parts of our environment for the role they play in cleaning air, preventing the build-up of greenhouse gases, providing renewable energy and being a source of materials for building, furniture and all the wooden items that form part of everyday life.  Trees also play an essential role in providing habitats for thousands of plants and animals and stabilising soil.

Further information on National Tree Week and the events taking place around the country is available on www.treecouncil.ie or by calling The Tree Council of Ireland on (01) 284 9211.

Editors Notes:
The Tree Council of Ireland is a voluntary organisation formed to promote the planting, care and conservation of trees.  It represents almost 50 professional, voluntary and public service bodies that share a common interest in trees.

For further information please contact:

Nuala Buttner
Q4 Public Relations
Tel: 01 4751444 / 085 1744275
Nuala@q4pr.ie

John McLoughlin
National Tree Week
Tel: 01 284 9211 / 086 250 6022
trees@treecouncil.ie

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Trees absorb CO2 and use it to make cellulose, the building block of wood.
• Trees release the oxygen (O) in CO2 back into the atmosphere for us to breathe.
• Over the course of a year, a single mature beech tree releases enough oxygen to support a family of four
• Forests and trees absorb up to 25% of global fossil fuel emissions
• One of the quickest and low cost options for reducing CO2   emissions is to replace non-renewable fuels such as coal or oil with renewable fuels such as biomass wastes and residues.
• On average a typical tree absorbs one tonne of carbon dioxide for every cubic metre's growth, while producing the equivalent of 727 kgs of oxygen
• The more wood we use the more forests grow – in Europe we are committed to planting more trees than we harvest
• Trees still play a vital role in the environment and are a distinctive feature on most of the Irish landscape only being absent on the higher hills.
• Trees play a pivotal role in holding soil together and they prevent water run-off, thereby reducing soil erosion. This is particularly important in developing countries. Tree removal can cause severe erosion and there are many examples of this throughout the world. The increasing area of deserts has been attributed to tree clearances.
• Trees also provide food and shelter for animals, insects and man. They provide shade and support for plants.
• Trees beautify our cities and gardens and filter noise and pollutants.
• World wide trees are an important source of food; think of apples, oranges, pears and olives.