PRESS RELEASE

OVER 300 FREE EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE  AROUND THE COUNTRY

FROM 02-08 MARCH 2008

Sunday 02 March 2008: Today, Minister of State with special responsibility for Forestry, Mary Wallace, T.D. launched National Tree Week in association with O2 and Coillte at Turvey Nature Park in Donabate, Co. Dublin.  The 24^th National Tree Week begins today and will run for seven days until Sunday 08 March 2008.

Speaking in the context of National Tree Week, Minister of State Wallace said, “The Government is fully aware of the contribution, and the future potential, of forestry to the economy, society and the environment.  The most recent addition to the extensive policy instruments in support of forestry is the rollout of the Forest Environment Protection Scheme which I announced last week.  This makes forestry particularly attractive to existing REPS farmers and is targeted at high value forestry including environmental protection.  It can give rise to premiums of up to €774 per hectare per annum for five years with the standard afforestation premium payable thereafter.”

The theme for the action packed week is ‘Trees, Water, Life’ highlighting the interdependence of tree and water. There is something for everybody during the week with over 300 free public events taking place across the country including forest walks, seminars and talks, workshops, tree planting ceremonies and exhibitions.  A free events guide is available in all O2 Stores and Coillte Offices so check out what is happening in your local area during National Tree Week.

Dorothy Hayden, President of the Tree Council of Ireland 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.’

National Tree Week is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and is sponsored by O2 Ireland and Coillte.  As part of their support for National Tree Week, O2 Ireland will plant over 1,200 trees, one for every O2 employee and a tree for every handset sold in their stores from 02-08 March 2008. Coillte is supplying over 15,000 trees that will be distributed to schools and community groups by every local authority in the country. 

Mark Gould, Head of O2 Retail said ‘O2 Ireland is delighted to be involved for the fifth 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, water, life’  is particularly apt as I am pleased to announce today a new tree planting initiative from O2 which will see  a tree planted for every handset purchased in O2 stores during National Tree Week and a tree planted for each member of our staff.’

 

David Gunning, Chief Executive of Coillte added that ‘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. Coillte is delighted to continue to work with the Tree Council to help educate people about the significance of trees.’

 

For more information about National Tree Week and the events taking place around the country, log on to www.treecouncil.ie or by call The Tree Council of Ireland on (01) 493 1313.

-ENDS-

 

For further information, please contact;

Kate Candon, Brandignite 01 6188472 / 086 8654904

John Mc Loughlin, Tree Council of Ireland 01 493 1313 / 086 250 6022

Patricia Flanagan, Coillte 0578621617 / 086 - 8098598

 

Notes to Editors:

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.