Rare wildlife on Westmeath lakeshores should be tourist attraction

A series of leaflets detailing Westmeath Lakeshore Habitats have been produced by Westmeath County Council and could be a significant attraction for tourists.

The visitor guides, compiled by an intern at Westmeath County Council, ecologist Judy O'Sullivan, are on a selection of locations including Lough Owel, Ennell, Deravarragh, Lene, Sheever and Lough Ree.

Some of the species captured are "quite rare by European standards" and councillors Denis Leonard and Frank McDermott say this area is one of the most under utilised from a tourism point of view.

"People don't really understand or appreciate what's under their feet" until it's pointed it out to them, said Cllr McDermott.