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The increased use of natural Christmas trees has been welcomed by Minister Tom Hayes.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes has welcomed the reports from Irish tree growers that there has been a strong demand for their produce this year, particularly from abroad.

Growers from across Tipperary and the wider Avondhu area have reported that there has been increased interest in real Christmas trees this year, with some suppliers even reporting that they are already sold out. There are less than 100 growers in the country, who between them will sell up to 750,000 trees at home and abroad this year.

"Not only is this good news for Irish growers, but also for the environment. The benefits of a real tree outweigh those of an artificial tree, in terms of its biodegradability and the carbon footprint. They are also huge value for money with prices between €40 and €60," Minister Hayes said.

CRACKDOWN

He also acknowledged the growing problem with the theft of trees and said that this was being dealt with.

"Operation Hurdle aims to prevent the theft of trees and reassure local growers. This operation runs from mid October to mid December and involves Gardai regularly patrolling areas of concern, targeting suspects and conducting checkpoints.

"The main message is that we need to encourage people to support their local growers and buy real Irish Christmas trees," Minister Hayes said.

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