Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has urged the public to get out and enjoy Ireland's woodlands and take part in the hundreds of events being organised during National Tree Week.
At the official launching of the event - which runs from March 5th to 11th - in Farmleigh House, Dublin, the Taoiseach said that the advantages of planting more trees were not merely directed at the survival of ecosystems or averting the ravages of severe weather.
"The beauty of our trees and woodlands in their own right has given much inspiration to writers, artists and many others over the years. Equally, forests have enormous recreational value as places to enjoy walks, nature trails or, quite literally, get away from it all," he said.
"The NeighbourWood scheme, operated by the forestry service, offers considerable support to local authorities, community groups, environmental NGOs and private woodland owners to work in partnership to develop woodland amenities around the country. I would encourage people to avail of these amenities and to rediscover the value and lifeline our woods provide us with."
The president of the Tree Council of Ireland, Dorothy Hayden, said that the aim of National Tree Week was to raise awareness about trees and encourage local communities to participate in over 300 events which will be taking place around the country during the week.
She pointed out that all the events organised throughout the State by Coillte, the forestry service, and by 02 were free of charge and open to everyone. These included forest walks, seminars and talks, workshops, tree-planting ceremonies and exhibitions.
More than 15,000 trees, which have been supplied by Coillte, are being distributed to schools and community groups by every local authority in the Republic.