Public opportunity to voice legacy concerns

The County Council want people to speak out about valuable sites in their area in an attempt to catalogue at risk buildings and environments.Already submissions to Westmeath County Council"s Heritage Forum have brought attention to the imminent destruction of the bogland areas around the river Inny and the urgent need for action to preserve Mullingar"s railway station.This week Westmeath Heritage Forum will be holding public meetings for the Coole area in the Castlepollard Civic centre on 21st April at 8pm and for Mullingar at the Market House on 22nd April at 8pm.Local Town councillor Ruth Illingworth believes that it is everyone"s responsibility to protect their heritage by becoming involved in this draft process: 'This is a great opportunity for people to let us know what is in their area and what needs to be protected. This is just about buildings, it is also the unique biodiversity of the region including the bogs, lakes and rivers.''Written submissions that we have already received have detailed many concerns about the heritage that is slipping away from us including that Westmeath is one of only three counties in the country without a Heritage officer. Coming along to these public meetings will give the forum valuable local information about areas and buildings that are at risk. Our aim is to create a plan that will preserve and promote our local heritage. This is important for the community, industry and tourism.'The forum contains representatives from local council, elected members and state bodies such as Falite Ireland.When the draft is adopted as 'The Westmeath County Heritage Plan 2008 -2014' will set out a 6 year action plan which will aim to conserve and manage local heritage.'Westmeath County Council Conservation Architect Bernadette Solon, who is also on the forum hopes that as many people as possible attend these public meetings:'Anyone with interests or concerns about their local environment and heritage should attend to make a submission. When the draft is adopted it will be in operation for the next six years.'Written submissions, suggestions and ideas can be made either by post addressed to: Westmeath Heritage Forum, County Buildings, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, or by e mail to: heritage@westmeathcoco.ie