Kiltimagh initiative is a first for Ireland

Under bright sunshine and a large community turnout, Kiltimagh became the first town in Ireland to join the global Blue Tree Project with the unveiling of a striking blue-painted tree at the town’s Sculpture Park on Saturday, July 12. The initiative, which originated in Australia, uses a simple but visually powerful symbol to start meaningful conversations about mental health and to encourage people to seek support.

The tree, which has been painted in a vivid blue shade, now stands as a prominent landmark - and an unmistakable invitation to talk, reflect, and reach out. It is Ireland’s first official Blue Tree as part of the international Blue Tree Project, a grassroots mental health awareness initiative that began in Western Australia in 2019 following the tragic death by suicide of Jayden Whyte.

The idea to bring the project to Mayo began over Christmas when Kiltimagh couple Chris and Marion Glynn were walking through a park in Perth and saw a tree painted blue. Having found out the background to the tree, Marion contacted the organisers and discovered there were no registered Blue Trees in Ireland. They decided that Kiltimagh should be the location for the first.

 “We sourced a dead tree, and then it was about sorting the colour,” Chris explained. “The paint used in Australia is different, so we had to match it properly here. We’ve been in touch with Dulux about getting the colour named in their chart because at the moment it only has a four-digit RAL code.” 

Chris made it clear that this is not about launching a new charity or organisation. 

“We’re not experts in mental health,” he said. “But we know it affects every family in this country. And the point is, people need to know they’re not on their own.” 

Marion echoed that view. 

“This tree is visible. You can’t miss it. We wanted something that would stand out, something that says, it’s okay not to be okay. And also, something that people can interact with. There are QR codes on the plaque - scan them and it brings you to a long list of support organisations.” 

The couple plan to enhance the area further by perhaps adding a bench.

The crowd gathered at the Sculpture Park included elected representatives, mental health advocates, local volunteers, and families. Among them was Minister of State Alan Dillon who praised Marion and Chris.

"This tree isn’t just a local landmark, it’s a national first. And it’s something I’ll be bringing back to the Minister for Mental Health. It’s a concept Ireland can and should build on.” 

Pressed on the issue of resourcing, Minister Dillon acknowledged the need for greater investment in mental health services. 

“There needs to be more funding,” he said. “That applies not just within the health budget, but across departments - education, community supports, early intervention.” 

Minister Dillon noted that suicide is only one end of a much broader mental health spectrum. 

“Thankfully, only a small number of mental health cases end in suicide, but rates per capita in Ireland are high. But the wider picture is complex. We’re seeing children now with multiple diagnoses, families navigating serious challenges. We need more occupational therapists, psychologists, speech and language therapists. It’s about building resilience in communities - ensuring that no one is isolated.” 

Local councillor Adrian Forkan also spoke about the importance of accessibility. 

“There’s information right there on the plaque,” he said. “You don’t have to ask anyone anything. If someone isn’t feeling well, they can scan the code with their phone and they’re linked straight away to the Samaritans and others who can help.” 

Community leader Mick Roache, who helped organise the event, said the message was ultimately one of hope.

“If this tree helps one person scan that code, reach out and get support, then it has done something very important.” Mr Roache also highlighted the importance of thinking generationally. 

“This is about the children of the future. If someone’s struggling, they can come here. They don’t have to talk if they’re not ready - they can just be. But the information is there when they need it. That’s why it matters.” 

David McNicholas, of the Kiltimagh Tourism and Festivals Committee, described the project as “low investment, but high visibility". 

"This is a visual impact that gets people talking - and that’s what we need.” 

One unique element of the Blue Tree Project is its blend of quiet symbolism and digital interactivity. The visual impact draws people in, while the QR codes provide instant access to a curated list of mental health support services.

Throughout the day, the tree itself became a focal point - for conversations, for photographs, and for quiet moments of thought. Children stood beneath it, curious. Adults walked over, scanned the QR code, and read the information silently.

Chris and Marion Glynn hope the tree will serve as a lasting contribution to the town and the country. 

“It’s not going to solve everything,” Chris said. “But maybe it helps open a door. Maybe it helps someone take the next step.

And as the sun shone down on the newly painted tree, glowing blue against the Kiltimagh sky, it was hard to disagree.