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Brendan Smith TD, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food, marked National Tree Week with tree planting ceremonies
at St. Tiarnach's National School, St. Michael's National
School, Cootehill and Aughadreena National School.
The theme of this year's National
Tree Week - which takes place from 7th to 13th March
2010 - is 'Twenty Ten - Plant Again' to encourage
people to make a renewed effort to go out and plant more trees
during the week.
This year, 15,000 trees, sponsored by Coillte, will be distributed
to community groups by local authorities all over the country.
Events
planned to mark National Tree Week include forest walks, tree
planting ceremonies, workshops, talks and competitions.
Visiting the schools, the Minister congratulated the Tree
Council of Ireland on their organisation of so many varied
and interesting events and activities for the annual National
Tree Week and encouraged people to attend such events and
avail of the opportunity to appreciate trees and their many
benefits.
Commenting on National Tree Week, Minister Smith said - "A
specific week designated as National Tree Week gives us the
opportunity to raise awareness about trees and their many
benefits. Even though they are a major part of our landscape,
the significance of trees can sometimes be underestimated,
so, National Tree Week provides us with an invaluable opportunity
to appreciate the value of trees and the importance of planting
more trees so that future generations may also enjoy those
benefits."
The Minister noted, in particular, the contribution forestry
makes by way of employment, climate change mitigation, enhancement
of biodiversity and the provision of recreational facilities
- as well as its traditional role as the source of timber
and wood energy.
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