Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, marked National Tree Week by planting an Irish oak sapling at the Coillte forest at Littlewood, Slane, Co. Meath today as part of a charity fundraising initiative.

National Tree Week, organised by the Tree Council of Ireland, is an annual, week-long festival celebrating all positive aspects of trees in our lives and environment.  The theme of National Tree Week 2012, which takes place from 4-10 March, is 'Trees - Our Past, Our Present, Our Future'.

The tree planting event by Minister of State McEntee formed part of a new fundraising initiative by the Aisling Group International Charity.  The Aisling Group International is an addiction counselling charity and was founded by Ms. Marie Byrne as a direct response to the public's need for information and help, relating to the negative effects from drugs and alcohol misuse.  The saplings, kindly donated by Coillte, will be used by the Aisling Group International to raise much needed funds by asking donors to "Sponsor a Sapling",  with all sponsors receiving a certificate.

Minister of State McEntee used the occasion to highlight "the many social and environmental benefits provided by forestry in that it is a source of renewable energy, a natural means of carbon storage, an important habitat for our biodiversity and a recreational facility for us all".

On the involvement of the Aisling Group International, the Minister of State added "This year’s theme for National Tree Week is 'Trees - Our Past, Our Present, Our Future' and I'm glad that the trees that will be planted here can be used by the Aisling Group International to highlight the need to learn from our past and look towards a brighter future for people affected by addiction."

Note for editors:

While the pictures show the Minister planting the first sapling today, further saplings will be planted at a later date in support of the charity.

Minister of State launches National Tree Week,  The Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Shane McEntee TD, marked the beginning of National Tree Week by planting an Irish oak sapling in Coillte Forest in Littlewood near Slane, Co. Meath.  The Minister of State said "We plant trees not only for today but for tomorrow as well, for our children and out grandchildren".

Patrick Rooney, Minister of State Shane McEntee and Patrick Ryan.

Mr PJ Fitzpatrick Area Manager, Coillte, Ms Eanna Ni Lamhna, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, Ms Marie Byrne, Director, Aisling Group International Charity and Minister of State Shane McEntee.

Ms Mary Treacy, Coillte Forest Manager, Ms Eanna Ni Lamhna, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, Minister of State Shane McEntee and Mr PJ Fitzpatrick Area Manager, Coillte.

Date Released: 05 March 2012

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