Public invited to have their say on new heritage plan

Two public consultation sessions on the new heritage plan for Westmeath has been taking place over recent weeks.

The plan will set out a framework for Westmeath County Council’s Heritage Office, in partnership with groups and agencies, to deliver heritage projects within the county.

Following a public consultation phase last summer, Westmeath Heritage Forum has prepared a draft plan. It aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the heritage of the county and to safeguard it.

Four objectives have been identified, and a series of actions are set out under each one. Each action has performance indicators to monitor implementation of the plan.

Heritage officer Melanie McQuade said: “The Westmeath Heritage Plan 2024-2030 will be the fourth for Westmeath, and aims to build on the achievements of the previous plans. A full review of the actions of the Westmeath Heritage Plan 2018-2023 is in Appendix 2 of the Draft Heritage Plan.”

All submissions received during the consultation period will be considered by Westmeath Heritage Forum and the plan will be amended as appropriate. The plan will be brought to the council for approval before year end.

Cllr Louise Heavin, chair of the Heritage Forum, said: “I encourage everyone with an interest or involvement in the heritage of our county to help shape the Heritage Plan by reviewing the Draft Westmeath Heritage Plan 2024-2030 and submitting their comments.”

The Draft Heritage Plan is available on the consultation portal: at consult.westmeathcoco.ie/ on the Westmeath County Council website and on westmeathculture.ie/.

Hard copies of the plan can be viewed in local branches of Westmeath libraries. The consultation period on the Draft Westmeath Heritage Plan 2024-2030 will close on September 15.