The commencement of the new planting season for the One Hundred Million Trees Project was marked by the planting of a 2,000 native-variety mini forest at Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park on Friday, November 22. This event, held at the official residence of President Michael D. Higgins, signifies the beginning of the project’s most ambitious planting season yet. The aim is to plant 550,000 trees across 230 sites in 29 counties between now and May 2025. The initiative was founded in 2022 by siblings Richard and David Mulcahy and their sister Tina.
In its initial year, the project saw 20,000 trees planted at 18 locations nationwide. By the second year, the number grew to 200,000 trees across 85 sites in 23 counties. President Higgins and his wife, Sabina, have thrown their support behind this volunteer-led effort, in collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW). President Higgins highlighted the importance of tree planting in combating climate change and restoring essential biodiversity. He expressed delight at the establishment of a new mini forest at Áras an Uachtaráin, emphasizing the significance of sustainability measures on the grounds.
President Higgins praised the vision, ambition, and dedication of the Mulcahy siblings, volunteers, and supporters involved in the One Hundred Million Trees Project. He commended grassroots campaigns for their tangible impact in addressing climate change challenges. Richard Mulcahy expressed gratitude for the generous support from the President and Mrs. Higgins, underscoring the project’s positive contribution to environmental sustainability.
The One Hundred Million Trees Project aims to plant 100 million native variety trees across Ireland in the next decade, promoting environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. The initiative encourages community participation, with volunteers and environmental enthusiasts joining forces to achieve this season’s ambitious target. Richard Mulcahy credited the project’s success to the dedication of volunteers, sponsors like AIB Bank and Uniphar plc, professional partners, and the communities offering planting sites.
According to Ger Rabbette, CEO of Uniphar, the project has exceeded all expectations, reflecting the relentless drive and vision of the Mulcahy siblings. Barry Field, AIB’s corporate affairs director, expressed delight in supporting the mini forest at Áras an Uachtaráin, emphasizing its positive impact on biodiversity in the Phoenix Park area and the environment’s long-term sustainability.
