In a special event held ahead of the International Day of Forests (21 March), Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae TD, visited Eurofound to lead a symbolic tree planting ceremony marking the Agency’s 50th anniversary.
To honour five decades of promoting better policies for a strong social Europe, 50 native Irish trees—including Irish Bird Cherry, Scots Pine, and Silver Birch—were planted on Eurofound’s grounds. The initiative also supports National Tree Week and highlights the crucial role that Ireland’s trees, forests, and woodlands play in building a greener, more sustainable future.
Minister Healy-Rae was joined by Eurofound staff, local schoolchildren from St. Columbanus National School in Loughlinstown, and representatives from Crann – Trees for Ireland, Eurofound’s planting partner for the occasion. Together, they contributed to the wider #ForOurPlanet campaign and the #3BillionTrees pledge of the European Commission, which aims to boost biodiversity and climate resilience across the continent.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Minister Healy-Rae said:
“Trees are often planted to mark significant moments, and this is certainly one of them. Eurofound is a scientific organisation, producing evidence-based, well-researched information by a team of dedicated individuals. This work is supported by this government and throughout the rest of Europe.”
He also took the opportunity to speak directly to the children in attendance about the importance of truth and evidence in the digital age, underlining how evidence-based information is essential to navigate the world and counter misinformation.
Eurofound Executive Director Ivailo Kalfin shared his reflections on the day:
“We were very pleased to be joined by Minister Healy-Rae and our partners in Crann for this event, as well as to branch out once again and connect with the local community. This event was not only about marking 50 years of Eurofound but also looking to our development and growth into the future.”
As Eurofound celebrates a half-century of service and impact, the newly planted trees will stand as living symbols of progress, partnership, and commitment to a more sustainable Europe.