Local event will help shape the future heritage policy for Ireland – submit your views before February 28

Heritage Ireland 2030 – a new national heritage plan for Ireland – Have Your Say on www.chg.gov.ie/heritage/heritageireland2030

People throughout Westmeath are encouraged to have their say in the public consultation on the new heritage plan for Ireland, Heritage Ireland 2030. 

A local event aimed at people in the county is to be held on 31 January in Athlone Library. 

Full details are available from the County heritage officer at Westmeath County Council.

Heritage Ireland 2030, based around three themes of:

- national leadership;

- supporting stronger heritage partnerships and;

- building community and local involvement in heritage;

will guide the government’s heritage priorities and investment over the next decade and beyond, including the €285m commitment to heritage in Investing in Our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027, which was launched in April 2018. 

Local workshops are a key element of the public consultation process and are being co-ordinated and facilitated by local authority heritage officers. 

Direct submissions are also being accepted by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and there is an easy online survey. 

Full details, including dates and locations of upcoming local and regional workshops together with information on how to submit before the February 28 deadline, are available at: http://www.chg.gov.ie/heritage/heritageireland2030.

“The natural and built heritage around us enriches our lives, inspires our achievements and gives life to our communities – it also underpins our culture, our economy and our society,” Minister Madigan said, when launching this consultation in November, urging all to have their say in shaping heritage priorities for the decade to come. 

“Our heritage is a shared responsibility and a shared treasure. We need to work together at national, local and community level to care for it and to unlock its future potential. 

“So I invite you to play your part in shaping the future of our heritage and have your say during this consultation period.”