5th March 2002

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY WELCOMES NATIONAL TREE WEEK

The Green Party has called for more tree planting in residential areas during National Tree Week. The Green Party has welcomed the tree plantings that are taking place around the County, and has encouraged parents to involve their children in these events. In Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown County Council the contact person is Noel McEvoy in the Parks Department (tel. 205 4700).

“We welcome this celebration of trees,” stated Ciarán Cuffe from the Green Party, “but we feel that Local Authorities could do more to encourage tree planting in residential areas. There’s no reason why every residential street or road shouldn’t have trees more planted alongside.

“The ‘NeighbourWood’ scheme being promoted by Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown County Council is a great step in the right direction. However we feel that many people aren’t aware of the scheme and that it needs to be more widely publicised and promoted.

We compliment Spar for taking part in the Coillte free seedling tree scheme, and we encourage the public to collect their free seedling tree form their local Spar shop. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants and add to the vitality of any neighbourhood.

Councillor Ciarán Cuffe praised the Tree Council of Ireland for promoting the week’s events, and looked forward to a record number of trees being planted during the week.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe     087 265 2075 or 618 3082