Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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699. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in reviewing the effects of the heatwave with the local authorities, the planting of greater numbers of shade giving, soil protecting trees in public parks and in newer public parks especially will be promoted; if public bodies such a Waterways Ireland and the transport companies will be encouraged to co-operate with local authorities to encourage more tree planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31013/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the current climatic conditions, the microclimate beneath a canopy of trees is typically cooler and  moister than that in the open, and this makes woodlands and forests attractive places to visit during the current hot weather. Ideally, such places should be part of the neighbourhood, and it is for these (and other) reasons that my Department operates the NeighbourWood Scheme.  

The NeighbourWood Scheme, which is funded by the Government under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, offers financial support for community groups working with local authorities, to develop attractive woodland amenities close to where people live. Funding is available towards the establishment of new neighbourwoods on open ‘greenfield’ sites, the silvicultural enhancement of existing woodland already used as neighbourwoods (or proposed for development as neighbourwoods), and the installation and upgrade of appropriate recreational facilities within certain areas. 

These neighbourwoods vary greatly in size and location, from forests in the countryside and on the outskirts of villages, towns and cities, to woodlands located in more built-up areas. The resulting benefits are numerous and far-reaching. Neighbourwoods provide accessible opportunities for recreation and regular exercise, and offer people ‘time-out’ and contact with the natural world and the changing seasons. They also deliver a wide range of environmental benefits, providing vital habitats for wildlife, removing atmospheric carbon, promoting air quality and improving the visual landscape, to mention just a few. 

The new neighbourwood amenity at Vartry, Roundwood, Co Wicklow, which was officially opened last month by the Taoiseach and my colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, highlights the opportunities available to local communities to avail of financial support under the NeighbourWood Scheme. Further details on the Neighbourwood scheme can be found on my Department's website.