20 January 2000

MINISTER ENCOURAGES TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME

The Minister for Social Development, Mr. Nigel Dodds MLA, showed his support for Belfast’s Street Tree Management Programme today by planting a Quercus Rubra (red oak) tree outside his Department’s headquarters.

The programme is a partnership between Belfast City Council and the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service. The aim is to promote awareness of the value of trees within the city.

Commenting on the programme the Minister said: "I am delighted to lend my support to the tree management programme which is bringing greenery to our urban environment and also creating areas which are pleasing to the eye"

Mr. Dodds concluded: "Partnerships like this can encourage us to appreciate what can be achieved by making our city a more environmentally friendly place to work, live in and visit."