Taoiseach Enda Kenny yesterday planted an oak tree in an ancient stretch of woodland some 300 yards from his childhood home at Islandeady, Castlebar, in memory of Shane McEntee, a late colleague in Government.
Mr Kenny, who had earlier unveiled a plaque in honour of the former minister of state for forestry, dedicated the tree at Rehins Wood, Co Mayo, a well-known local beauty spot, as “a living monument to an absent friend’s memory”.
“I believe planting a tree here in Shane’s memory and the unveiling of a plaque to recognise his contribution is a very fitting tribute to his work as minister of state for forestry as well as to the great energy, sincerity and kindness he brought to all who knew him,” said the Taoiseach.
Rehins Wood, owned by Coillte, dates back to the 1840s, and the recreational walk project is aimed at increasing accessibility for the public.
Great Western Greenway
It is hoped to eventually link the project to the Great Western Greenway which runs between Westport and Achill.
Mr Kenny’s visit to Rehins Wood coincided with the beginning of National Tree Week, and the attendance yesterday included Gerard Murphy, managing director of Coillte Forest, Minister of State Jimmy Deenihan, along with local Fine Gael TDs John O’Mahony and Michelle Mulherin.
In his address to a large gathering, Mr Kenny alluded to the health benefits of regular walking by stating that the chief medical officer at the Department of Health had told him there were 250,000 diabetics “coming down the line” in Ireland.
The majority of these threatened diabetes cases were preventable by exercise, diet and by changing lifestyle habits, said the Taoiseach.
The Rehins Wood project is developed by Coillte in partnership with Mayo County Council, with funding from the Forestry Service.