Minister Michael Healy-Rae praises Meath for forestry and climate ‘leadership’
Meath County Council has been praised for its leadership in forestry, biodiversity and climate action by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae, TD.
The Minister, who has responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, was welcomed to Council buildings by Cathaoirleach Cllr Wayne Harding, Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe, and other elected members.
During the visit, the Council highlighted its progress in priority areas including biodiversity and heritage, climate action, community development and environmental protection, as well as its collaborations with the Centre of Food Culture and Boyne Valley Flavours.
Among the projects discussed were the Council’s recognition earlier this year by the Environmental Protection Agency for its regulatory and environmental work, the creation of new native woodlands in Liscartan and Galtrim, and the success of the Hare’s Corner initiative, which has delivered more than 400 biodiversity habitats across the county.
The local authority has also advanced three sites in Polecastle, Lobinstown and Footstown Great to assessment stage for potential forestry schemes in the future.
Minister Healy-Rae commended the Council for its proactive approach, describing it as “an early adopter of our public lands outreach initiative.”
“We have a significant amount of land in public ownership that could be planted, and this is a fantastic opportunity for local government to take a leading role in forestry,” he said.
“My Department has been working closely with Meath County Council to examine potential sites for afforestation, conservation and NeighbourWood projects. This collaboration highlights how local authorities can lead the way in delivering climate, biodiversity and community benefits.”
Speaking after the visit, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Wayne Harding said: “We were delighted to welcome Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae to Meath, and be given the opportunity to show the Minister all of the good work being achieved by the Council that has us forging a path in many areas covered under his crucial remit in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.”
Meanwhile Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe added that the Council’s environmental initiatives are central to its long-term sustainability agenda.
He said: “We do not only embrace our environmental statutory obligations and understand the importance of our flora, fauna, farmland and food culture, but we are also acutely aware that forestry is intrinsically linked to our achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals.”