Westmeath should ask ‘world leaders' of business based here to lead economic recovery

An economic forum headed up by Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary or Mergon MD, Pat Beirne, should be established in Westmeath to lead the county’s economic recovery, members of Mullingar Area Committee have been advised.

Cllr Peter Burke told his colleagues it is vital that the council harvest the experience of successful company executives in order to drive Westmeath forward.

“Such a forum should be free from politics. We have world leaders in Westmeath and they should be approached to see if they would chair the forum and act as an ambassador for the county,” said Cllr. Burke.

“We don’t want to reading negatives in the paper about what is not being done. Rather, we should reflect on the positives,” he said.
In response to the motion, the council acknowledged the importance of economic renewal and development and eagerly anticipated the establishment of the Local Enterprise Office at the council in March.

“It is imperative that the maximum amount of inward investment is made in the county and the suggested forum may be beneficial in this regard,” the reply stated.

Director of services, Dave Hogan, fully supported Cllr Burke’s call, adding that the sooner it could be got up and running the better, while Cllr’s Burke’s colleagues also applauded the suggestion.