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Address by President Mary McAleese at the launch of the fifteenth National Tree Week in Newcastle

Address by President Mary McAleese at the launch of the fifteenth National Tree Week in Newcastle West

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here today in Newcastlewest on the occasion of the launch of the fifteenth National Tree Week. It is always a pleasure to come to Limerick and it is a particular pleasure to come here for this launch and to recognise the splendid work of the Tree Council.

Ireland’s first Tree Week took place fifteen years ago in 1984, even before the Tree Council was established. It was the success of that week which heralded the establishment of the Tree Council of Ireland, a voluntary, umbrella organisation representing over 35 organisations both private and public, concerned with the promotion of trees. Since its inception the Tree Council has been supported strongly by the Forest Service, FÁS, Coillte and Pitney Bowes.

The theme of this year’s Tree Week “Broadleaf Your Horizon”, highlights the need to plant more trees and of course especially our native broadleaves, in towns, cities and i  rural areas. Planting trees is one of the easiest and most effective ways in which people can improve the environment, both locally and globally. More than ever and particularly in our towns and cities, the presence of trees improve the quality of the living and working environment.

I am very lucky in my own environment, for I have the great pleasure on entering and leaving the Phoenix Park, to drive through its beautiful avenue of horse chestnut and lime trees. No two days offer the same vista - ever-changing, they are a continuing reminder of nature at work in our world.

We must also bear in mind the role of trees in our traditions and culture. So many of our placenames, surnames and traditions have derived from trees, it is appropriate that we use occasions like National Tree Week to celebrate their importance. Active community involvement is one of the key ingredients, not only of a successful Tree Week, but also of the long-term objective of the Tree Council to get people, especially the young, involved in an active way with trees.

I understand that, during Tree Week, over 300 very varied events will take place throughout the country and up to 30,000 trees will be planted. Events include treasure hunts, plantations, walks, talks and woodcraft demonstrations such as those exhibited to us here today. Incidentally, the closing event for Tree Week will take place on my own doorstep in the Phoenix Park when a guided walk will take place throughout the Park.

I would again like to thank the Tree Council and particularly its President, Margaret Gormley, for its organisation of Tree Week. I would also like to commend Limerick County Council, not only for hosting this event in association with the Tree Council, but also for its continuous work in tree planting and care. The County Council has planted over a quarter of a million trees during the past ten years, setting a target for many other county councils.

Here in Newcastlewest, thanks is also due to the local schools, the Newcastlewest and District Pipe Band and indeed to all the children for their work in hosting and getting involved with the launch.

I will conclude by offering my best wishes for the success of National Tree Week. I am aware of the time and resources necessary for the organisation of such an event. Indeed my thanks go to all those who use the week to contribute to the planting of trees in Ireland.

 Go raibh maith agaibh go leir.