Grant Available For Native Trees

From small acorns…

atest press release from Wicklow County Council, issued on Tuesday, July 26th 2022…

Grants of up to €500 are being provided by Wicklow County Council for the planting of native trees and hedgerows by communities in a bid to increase the amount of trees in our public space.

Any community group, school, youth club, sports club can apply for the funding.

The grant aims to facilitate the planting of trees on public sites that can be enjoyed by all in the community. The grant will cover 75% of the cost of purchasing trees, stakes and ties up to maximum of €500.

To apply groups need to identify a site suitable for planting and seek a quote from a supplier for trees, outlining the type of trees and their cost. A sketch map should be included with the application form to show where it is proposed to plant trees.

Trees can help to sequestrate carbon reducing our impact on climate change. They can also help to create a better local climate reducing the impact of heat and wind in local areas and most importantly help to reduce run off when heavy rain occurs.

By planting native trees we maximise the benefit of planting for local biodiversity which is well adapted to living with those trees. The new grant is provided as part of Wicklow County Council’s Climate Action programme and as part of the commitment in its new Tree Policy to increase tree cover in County Wicklow.

Any group can plant some trees. In previous years the Council has had applications from as few as two or three trees up to the planting of many hundreds of saplings.

All applications will be considered and reviewed to ensure that the proposed site is suitable for the long-term development of the trees being planted. Groups should ensure when making an application that they have the support of local communities including local Residents Associations or Tidy Towns when planting on public green space.

The deadline for application is the 2nd of September and it is expected that all trees will be planted out during the months of October to December. Participants can purchase trees once Wicklow County Council gives approval for their application. The grant is paid out once a receipt is then submitted for the purchase of trees.

Anyone interested in making an application should contact the Environmental Awareness Office to request an application using the email address eao@wicklowcoco.ie. People can also contact the office on the same address with any questions about the grant.