130 events celebrate National Tree Week as forest park upgraded

TREES are part and parcel of our culture, according to Minister of State Tony Killeen, noting that this is the theme of 130 events taking place countrywide this week as part of National Tree Week.

He said trees feature in mythology, placenames, sculpture, poetry, song and literature. The earliest form of writing in Ireland was Ogham, a tree alphabet, which had 20 letters, each corresponding to one of our native species.

“Another example of trees being part of our heritage and culture is the use of ash in hurls for hurling and camogie, making it an integral part of one of our national games and therefore culture,” he said.

Mr Killeen was speaking at Curraghchase in west Limerick, where he opened a Coillte forest park, where the facilities were upgraded under a Fáilte Ireland project.

The upgrading of the park, located just 33km south-west of Limerick city, was co-funded by Fáilte Ireland, Limerick County Council and Coillte.

Mr Killeen thanked the three bodies for their joint efforts in making the forest park available to the public in such good condition and providing facilities that can contribute positively to the health and well-being of the local communities.

He said it was particularly appropriate that the official opening was during National Tree Week.

“While the Tree Council is promoting awareness of trees all year round, a specific week designated as National Tree Week gives us the opportunity to highlight such wonderful recreational facilities as Coillte Forest Park, Curraghchase,” he said.

Mr Killeen planted a tree to mark the occasion and also to celebrate National Tree Week.