Vol. 516 No. 4
46 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of trees to be planted to commemorate the millennium; the variety and location; the way in which he will encourage the population to fully participate in this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8387/00]
The main sponsors of the project are Allied Irish Bank, the National Millennium Committee and the forest service of my Department. My Department has committed funding of £400,000 towards the cost of the ancillary programme of education and training. Coillte owns most of the sites selected.
The main objective of the project is to protect, enhance and expand selected woodlands to ensure that future generations can enjoy the benefit of Ireland's native forests. In this regard, 16 sites countrywide have been chosen. They are Lough Gill, County Sligo; Derrygorry, County Monaghan; Tourmakeady, County Mayo; Portlick, County Westmeath; Rossturra, County Galway; Derrygill, County Galway; Ballygannon, County Wicklow; Shelton, County Wicklow; Camolin, County Wexford; Galtee, County Tipperary; Rossacaroo, County Kerry; Yew Wood, County Kerry; Lacca, County Laois; Woodlands, County Kilkenny; Favour Royal, County Armagh and Castle Archdal, County Fermanagh. Of these sites 12 are owned by Coillte, two are owned by the Northern Ireland Forest Service and one each by Westmeath County Council and Dúchas.
