The first phase of a local heritage amenity programme for Dartrey Forest took place on Tuesday morning when Minister of Food and horticulture, Brendan Smith TD carried out a tree-planting ceremony at the site of the roadside Dawson Monument, situated half way between Rockcorry and Cootehill.

     The planting of a holly tree also marked National Tree Week, in which over 15000 trees sponsored by Coillte are being distributed to local authorities nationwide in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of trees to the environment and the preservation of life itself.
     The heritage development programme, which is being promoted by local Dartrey Heritage Association in cooperation with Coillte aims to increase public access and awareness of a number of important historical sites in Dartrey Forest in the coming years.
     Over the last few weeks, trees have been cut on the half-acre enclave of land on which the historical 52-foot high " corinthian" column designed by architect James Wyatt was erected in or around 1810. The monument has become much more prominent to passing traffic, especially at night time, when illuminated by lights at the base.
     But it has suffered considerable damage from tree roots, and ivy on the column itself. The Dartrey Heritage Association now hopes to see the structure stabilized and restored. The will involve the delicate removal and reinstallation of stones at the base, scaffolding, repointing, and the application of a protective silicone coating.


Picnic Area
     The estimated cost for the restoration works on the monument itself as well as the development of a wheelchair-accessible picnic area/public amenity at the site is estimates to be in excess of 100,000. The development will also include the provision of five car-parking spaces. A concrete-based access bridge (sponsored by Write Quarries) has already been put in place, fenced by timber from the site itself.      Chairperson of Dartrey Heritage (Duchas na Dartraige) Noel Carney explained to the Northern Standard that other features in Dartrey Forest include the beautiful red-brick 18th century mausoleum known locally as the "Temple", and the elegant cast-iron "Iron Bridge". Both of these have fallen into disrepair (the temple and its marble carvings have in fact been seriously damaged though vandalism), and it is hoped that these features can also be restored and made into accessible public attractions as the programme of works progresses.
     He points out, however, that it was important to start off with the roadside Dawson monument, which would highlight to the wider public the work being done.
     Another aspect of the heritage enhancement programme will be the removal of ivy from and restoration of the roadside forest wall, which runs for much of the five miles between Cootehill and Rockcorry. It is hoped that work on this will commence later this year.
     Applications in respect of the projects have been lodged with funding agencies like Interreg, the Peace Programme and the International Fund for Ireland, as well as Monaghan County Council's protected structures programme.


Memorial To Change
     An article penned for this newspaper in August 1999 by June Brown explains that the "Monument", as it is locally known, was erected by appreciative freehold constituents to the memory of their MP, Richard "Dick" Dawson in 1807, following his death at the relatively young age of 44. Dawson was a reformist who became popular among the local populace through his support for Henry Grattan and Catholic emancipation, and his opposition to the reviled Act of Union in 1801.
     Ms Brown argues that the structure erected by freehold voters was therefore a "memorial to changing attitude".
     Among those attending Tuesday's tree-planting ceremony were primary schoolchildren from Rockcorry, Cootehill and Dernakesh. Heather Humphries of Monaghan County Council, and Vincent McCaul of Cootehill Town Council were present, along with representatives of Coillte, the Dartrey Heritage Association, and staff of Monaghan County Council.

Tree Week
     Mr. PJ Fitzpatrick, District Manager of Coillte Teoranta began by thanking Minister Smith for taking the time to come to Dartrey for this launch of "Tree Week" in Monaghan. Sponsored by Coillte and O2, Tree Week from March 6th to 12th is organized by the Tree council of Ireland, a body made up of about 30 different organizations connected in some way with forestry. The aim of Tree Week is to promote the growing of trees and to make people aware of their importance, Mr. Fitzpatrick said.
     The main theme this year is "Harvesting and Ocean of Air", which draws attention to the function of trees in transforming carbon dioxide back into the life-supporting oxygen that we breath, and which is of particular significance in this time of damage to the Ozone layer by CO2 emissions. This was the 21st year, or "coming of age" of the event in which Coillte had been involved for the last 17 years.
     Mr. Fitzpatrick explained that holly had been selected as the species to plant at this ceremony, and as the main emphasis of Tree week this year, because over the last few years it had been " hard hit", especially coming up to the Christmas period. People were doing much harm by cutting entire trees down. Coillte had therefore decided to concentrate on planting holly- so that at least there would be berries for Santa in future Christmas periods!
     He concluded by paying tribute to the Dartrey Heritage Association for working along with Coillte on the Dawson Monument and other historical sites in the forest. Coillte was always keen to work in partnership with local groups, especially in improving amenity and recreational facilities in forest areas.


Support For Tree Week
     Minister Smith expressed thanks to Coillte for the invitation to attend the event. He was anxious to signal the Government's support for Tree Week and the work of Coillte. It was very important to nurture a "tree culture", from an environmental, economic and social point of view.
     The minister complimented both Coillte and Dartrey Heritage Association on their initiative in developing an amenity at the site. He had often passed the monument, but had not realized how much ground there was around it. It was an important asset, and he wished those involved every success in developing it, including Monaghan County Council.
    The theme of this year's National Tree week, "Harvesting an Ocean of Air" emphasized the impact trees can make in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and he was delighted to see a number of school children present, as it was important that they be introduced to these concepts.
     In relation to Dartrey Forest itself, he was pleased to note that a spirit of cooperation between Coillte Teoranta and the local community was reflected in the decision not only to preserve areas of old oak, but also to grow up to 18 acres of new oak nearby. This would help ensure the preservation of Dartrey Forest for future generations.
     In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone in the area every success in the development of the amenity project at the Dawson Monument, and with the other projects in respect of historical sites in Dartrey Forest.
     The day continued with Coillte staff giving a tour of Dartrey Forest and its points of interest, during which different aspects of forest management were explained.

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