Damien Rice plants trees in Dartmouth Square

MUCH TO the surprise of local dogwalkers and lunching businessmen enjoying Dartmouth Square park in Dublin yesterday, singer-songwriter Damien Rice could be seen on his knees helping to plant 32 pear and apple trees.

It was part of an initiative by the singer to put something ecological into his work schedule for every place he visits. Rice is currently working on a collaborative album with all proceeds going to ecological projects, he said yesterday.

The tree planting was co-ordinated by Dartmouth Square resident Peter O’Brien. Earlier this year Mr O’Brien negotiated a deal with businessman and owner of Dartmouth Square park Noel O’Gara to maintain and run the park as an amenity.

Mr O'Gara bought the park in 2005 for about €10,000 and since then it has been a source of controversy. Over the summer the park held yoga classes, poetry readings and tonight Mr O'Brien expects up to 1,000 people at a screening of early Dracula film Nosferatu.