McMurray welcomes announcement of Tree Planting Action Plan
South Down Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray has welcomed the development of a Tree Planting Action Plan which was announced by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir at a recent event organised by The Woodland Trust.
Mr McMurray was speaking after the event at Parliament Buildings on 14th October, which marked the launch of the “State of the UK’s Woods and Trees: Northern Ireland” report.
“I was pleased to attend the Woodland Trust event at Parliament Buildings. Sadly, Northern Ireland is one of the least-wooded regions in Europe, with just 8.7% woodland cover compared with the European average of 37%. Ancient woodlands, which go back to the 1600s, are even rarer, covering only 0.04% of Northern Ireland’s land area,” said McMurray.
“Increasing tree cover is essential for meeting our climate change commitments, enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, reducing flood risk, and supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Northern Ireland.
“I welcome the announcement by Minister Muir of a new Northern Ireland Tree Planting Action Plan.
“This Plan, which will be developed collaboratively with interested parties and facilitated by the Strategic Investment Board, is a crucial step in tackling the urgent issues set out in the report.
“My Alliance colleague, Peter McReynolds MLA, is also introducing a Members’ Bill on tree protection, which aims to strengthen tree protection through preservation orders, introduce a ‘heritage tree’ designation for significant trees, and secure legal safeguards against permitted developments.
“Small pockets of these very old woodlands can be found near Downpatrick and Castlewellan.
“We also have a number of larger, long-established, woodlands around Newcastle, Rostrevor, and in Mourne Park, which have been there for several centuries. It is important that we look after these precious woodlands.
“The Alliance Party is committed to seeing these initiatives succeed.
“However, our efforts must be met with cross-departmental support and strong political will if we are to successfully enhance tree planting efforts across Northern Ireland.”
