Call to keep local tourism offices open during winter

An appeal against a decision to close the Mullingar and Athlone tourist offices for the winter is to be led by Westmeath County Council following a call from Cllr Emily Wallace.

Speaking at a meeting of the Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Strategic Policy Committee of the council last week, she condemned the closure of the tourism offices for the winter, which takes place every year, and asked if there was anything Westmeath County Council could do.

“The Fleadh has got us huge publicity and we need to keep the momentum going,” she said. She felt it did not look good to have the tourist office in the Market Square closed.

Cllr Wallace was supported by Cllr John Dolan, in relation to the Athlone office, which is based at Athlone Castle.

Council Director of Services Barry Kehoe said that the shift was towards having less offices and more tourist information points on motorways and at tourist attractions

“We can write and draw attention to the fact that the Mullingar and Athlone offices are essential and should be retained, and we can raise it with Failte Ireland when we meet them next week,” he said.