The planting of the Norwegian Spruce brought Northern Ireland First Minister Dr Ian Paisley and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness together with the Leader of the Salvation Army in Ireland, Major David Jackson, and the Regional Administrator from the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Aileen Coney.
Dr Paisley said: “I believe it is appropriate to recognise and commend the important everyday work of charities especially at this time of the year.”
He said that the efforts of both charities to bring festive gifts to children from underprivileged families over Christmas had been “very much appreciated".
Mr McGuiness said the tree was a “practical symbol of sustainability for years to come”.
