Biodiversity Minister visits Westmeath heritage sites

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, visited Westmeath yesterday as part of a nationwide tour celebrating National Heritage Week.

The Minister visited a number of sites of cultural interest across the county, including Drumcree Bog and Belvedere House.

The Minister was joined on his tour by Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Aoife Davitt, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, and staff of Westmeath County Council.

Minister O'Sullivan was briefed on the restoration work that has been undertaken at the historic Belvedere House.

Belvedere is recognised as a fine example of our built cultural heritage. It's an established tourism attraction of regional, national, and international importance, and has enjoyed a steady increase in visitors in recent years.

The house and grounds are open daily and access to the restored Georgian Villa, the beautifully maintained Victorian Walled Garden, and play areas makes it one of the most appealing tourism destinations in the midlands.

The Minister heard of the restoration works to the roof of Belvedere House, which represents a significant investment by Westmeath County Council, as well as receiving financial support by Minister O’Sullivan's Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Completion of this capital project sees Belvedere House return to a three-floor period house visitor attraction.