PICTURES: Over 100 community groups attend 'Free Native Irish Tree Give Away' event in Laois

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Laois PPN in collaboration with Portlaoise Tidy Towns, were delighted to welcome Community Group Members from across Laois to the ‘Free Native Irish Tree Give Away’ event which was held during National Tree Week 2025. The Free Native Irish Tree Giveaway was held in the Macra na Feirme Hall, Timahoe Rd, Portlaoise.

There was a large attend of over 100 Community Groups from across Laois were supported with the Free Native Irish Tree Giveaway.

The planting of these trees will benefit Community Groups and future generations for years to come. Tree planting combats climate change, promotes biodiversity and enhances our landscape.

Brian Gaynor from ‘Trees on the Land’ was there to give expert advice on the tree species available, some of which included Alder, Birch, Oak, Hazel and Irish Heritage Apple Trees. Displayed around the hall were Information Boards with different tree species for attendees to read or photograph at their leisure.

Dan Bergin, Laois PPN Co-Ordinator said,

"Laois PPN were delighted to collaborate with Portlaoise Tidy Towns on our annual Free Native Irish Tree Giveaway event. The event is part of Laois PPNs Climate Action Project, an event which has grown each year.

"Laois PPN give a special thanks to the Community Groups from across Laois who attended the Free Native Irish Tree Giveaway”.

Young people had the opportunity to get creative in the ‘Arts & Crafts’ space. Beautiful pictures of Trees were drawn with real acorns stuck to them giving a 3D effect. Refreshments and sweet treats were served by Lauren from Caffe Latte. Laois Partnership kindly provided parking on the day.

Congratulations to Monica Delaney on winning the prize of a ‘Free Gardening for Biodiversity Consultation’ with T&C Gardens which includes plants and accessories worth €250.

Vincent Booth, Portlaoise Tidy Towns said,

"I would like to thank Laois PPN who collaborated with Portlaoise Tidy Towns for this event, and Brian Gaynor of ‘Trees on the Land’.

"It is gratifying to see so many Community Groups attend to collect a Free Native Irish Tree to plant in their garden or
Community. There are many benefits to tree planting including improving air quality, providing habitat for wildlife, combat climate change and enhancing the beauty of our local landscape”.

Laois PPN consists of 700+ Member Groups from the Community, Social Inclusion and Environmental Pillars. All groups registered with Laois PPN are given the opportunity to attend Laois PPN events.

Any group wishing to join Laois PPN can do so by completing the application on the Laois PPN website www.laoisppn.ie

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