South Dublin County Council celebrates National Tree Week

Organised by the Tree Council of Ireland in association with Coillte, National Tree Week took place between March 20 and March 26 earlier this month.

It is an annual week-long festival that celebrates all the positive aspects of trees and the contribution they make to our lives and environment.

The theme for National Tree Week 2023 was ‘Biodiversity begins with Trees’.

This theme was chosen to promote the important role trees play in protecting and enhancing our biodiversity and environment as well as their vital role in combatting climate change.

Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Emma Murphy, celebrated National Tree Week by planting a native Oak tree in Carrigwood Park, Firhouse, on Wednesday, March 22 aided by 35 local school children from Firhouse Educate Together National School.

“Oak Trees are Ireland’s National Tree and contribute to our environment in a significant way providing food and shelter for a more than 2,300 species of plants, insects, birds and animals, some of which rely solely on this tree species for survival,” a SDCC spokesperson said.

“The planting of this Oak tree represents the work South Dublin County Council are conducting as part of our contribution towards the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan as well as our Green Infrastructure Strategy, addressing biodiversity loss and acting as a climate mitigation measure.”

Speaking at the tree planting, Mayor Murphy said: “Trees make a major contribution to the character, appearance, and well-being of South Dublin County.

“They provide significant economic, social, environmental, ecological, and aesthetic benefits to our communities and to our urban and residential streets, parks and open spaces.

“Considering the contribution trees make to our society, it is vital that they are maintained and managed in a way that protects and enhances them for future generations.”