Tree-mendous project is blooming in Rush

A NORTHSIDE housing estate is blossoming thanks to the success of a new project.

As part of an Intergenerational Environment Project, 10 cherry blossom trees were planted in St Catherine’s Estate, Rush, in 2014.

Each tree had three nominated children to care for it, with many of the children able to see their tree from their homes.

The project has been a big success and earlier this month Deputy Mayor of Fingal Cllr Jack Chambers launched the planting of 10 more cherry blossom trees at the same location.

The ethos for the project, an idea presented by local resident Mary Ryan, was to start small and grow in time. 

Fingal County Council’s Community and Operations Departments are supporting the project.

The new trees will be adopted by the children of St Catherine’s National School and will be cared for by them with the support of the older generation in the estate, St Catherine’s National School and St Catherine’s Estate Residents’ Association.

Ger O’Shea, Principal of St Catherine’s National School, said the children were very fortunate to have an abundance of trees in and around their estate and in their school grounds.  “A love of and knowledge of trees and nature is encouraged in school with tree walks and nature study in the grounds and it is hoped that this has sown a love of the outdoors and respect for nature in the children,” said Mr O’Shea.