MONDAY 10TH MARCH
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
NATIONAL TREE WEEK 2025
On this National Tree Week, Nationwide hears of the efforts to increase Ireland’s tree cover. In County Waterford the local authority is undertaking a tree mapping project which will assist the planting plans there for the future. Plus, in County Wicklow, meet the man whose planted a native forest on land he bought for the purpose.
Waterford City and County Council has recently compiled a unique database of the location, height and canopy size for every single tree in Waterford City and County.
This tree mapping survey provides vital information on Biodiversity Ecosystems which is integral to further planning within the county. The survey also showed the need for community tree planting which enhances the natural landscape with native tree species and has a positive impact on the environment.
Also on the programme, a focus on how we can restore and extend Ireland’s native Irish woodland as the team travels to Wicklow to meet one man whose love of nature has led him to take matters into his own hands and planted his own small forrest. Ecologist and author, Richard Nairn is hoping that his project might inspire others to plant native Irish trees on plots of land in different parts of the country.
WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
SINGER TARA ERRAUGHT
On Nationwide this evening, ‘Celebrating the Voice’ – a five-day professional development programme devised and led by internationally acclaimed Dundalk mezzo soprano Tara Erraught. Anne Cassin meets some of the twelve young Irish singers taking part in the programme, which culminates in a lunchtime concert and evening performance with the National Symphony Orchestra in Dublin.
FRIDAY 14TH MARCH
SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
On this evening’s Nationwide there is a focus on Song, Dance and the Irish language. On this Saint Patrick’s weekend, the team are in Donegal where they meet enthusiastic lovers of Irish dancing and who gather to meet up with friends and share their passion for dance. Plus, in Belfast reporter Niall Martin visits a part of the city where you might be surprised to meet locals learning Irish.
The Gallagher Sisters from Fanad, an area of County Donegal steeped in culture, have turned their love of Irish dance into a story of success. Samantha and Victoria set up their own Irish dance school two years ago, reigniting a passion for dance in the community and now eight of their students are preparing to compete at the WIDA World Championships in Belgium this April.
The next story takes Nationwide to East Belfast to visit a project which was started by Linda Ervine in 2012. The Turus Mission is located in the heart of this part of the city and provides a range of services including giving opportunities for people living in this part of the city to learn the Irish language. Turas believes that the language belongs to all and promotes the language through night classes and cultural events. Reporter Niall Martin attended a graduation ceremony celebrating new Irish speakers in Belfast.
