Sir, - Recent letters to your newspaper proposing a variety of Millennium Forest projects are very encouraging. The Green Party constituency group in Dublin South has been discussing a similar idea for some time now.
We propose the planting of a broadleaf forest encircling the existing developed area of south Dublin. Ideally, the proposed forest would encompass existing forestry, creating a living boundary of trees which would link up with green arteries provided by urban afforestation. These arteries would be incorporated into all town and county development plans.
Apart from the environmental, economic, educational and recreational benefits that such a massive forest would bring to the people of Dublin (for example, improved air quality, habitat for wildlife, amenity areas, shelter belts, screens for farmland protection), the dense line of trees would also act as a powerful physical block to any further development towards, or on, the Dublin Mountains.
People can also respond to trees on an emotional and spiritual level. The fostering of a renewed relationship between people and trees, though impossible to measure in crude GDP and GNP terms, would further enhance the lives of most Dubliners. We would like to hear from anyone who is interested in working with us on the above project. - Yours, etc.
Environment spokesperson and candidate for Dublin South,
Green Party,
Upper Fownes Street,
Dublin 2.