Michael Healy-Rae launches Longford's Glennon Brothers National Tree Day

Michael Healy-Rae, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Forestry, officially launched Glennon Brothers National Tree Day 2025 by planting a Scots Pine at Scoil Chaitriona, Baggot Street, with students from the Green-Schools committee.

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As part of the annual initiative from the Tree Council of Ireland, primary schools nationwide are invited to claim one of 2,000 free Scots pine (Latin: Pinus sylvestris; Irish: An Giúis) saplings to plant with pupils. This year’s theme ‘Building a better future’ connects classroom learning with real-world forestry and the built environment, highlighting how sustainably grown, Irish-sourced timber supports modern methods of construction, reduces embodied carbon, and stores carbon for the lifespan of a building and beyond.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae commented at the launch:‘National Tree Day is a brilliant way to bring nature into the classroom and the community. It’s great to see pupils planting one of Ireland’s native conifers while learning how well-managed forests supply timber for climate-friendly homes, support rural jobs, and store carbon over the long term. I commend Glennon Brothers and the Tree Council of Ireland for helping schools get hands-on with forestry and for championing the use of sustainably grown Irish timber in construction.’

Pat Glennon, Joint Managing Director, Glennon Brothers, said:‘As a family business rooted in Irish forestry, we’re proud to partner with the Tree Council of Ireland for National Tree Day. Our message is simple, Irish timber for Irish homes, from forest to front door. For every tree harvested, new trees are planted to keep forests healthy and productive. We want young people to see how sustainable Irish forestry underpins the homes and communities we build.’

Mike Glennon, Joint Managing Director, Glennon Brothers, added: ‘Timber has a pivotal role in Ireland’s housing delivery and decarbonisation journey, particularly where homegrown timber is specified. Using locally grown timber stores carbon in the built environment and reduces reliance on imported materials. National Tree Day is a great way to bring that story to life for the next generation while strengthening understanding of responsible forestry.’

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Cormac Downey, President, Tree Council of Ireland, commented:

‘National Tree Day gives children, teachers, and families a hands-on way to learn about trees and biodiversity. With the support of Glennon Brothers, schools nationwide can access free saplings and ready-to-use classroom resources that turn learning into meaningful climate action.’ 

Schools can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings now at treeday.ie, where they will also find curriculum-friendly lesson plans, nature activities, and facts about Scots Pine.