Public meeting on future of Moate

All those with an interest in the future development of Moate are urged to attend a very important meeting in Moate Public Library this Wednesday night (Jan 31) at 7pm.

The meeting has been called by the Community Development Section of Westmeath County Council, and its main aim is to formulate a Town Action Plan for Moate which can then be put forward for funding under a number of funding streams such as LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, rural recreation infrastructure, to name but a few.

While Moate is already covered by a number of strategies and plans, the Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council, Pat Gallagher, says there is a need for “more detailed, project orientated, town and village action plans.”

Mr. Gallagher acknowledged that the recent economic downturn has “impacted negatively” on rural towns and villages, and the local community in each area needs to have their say in how their local area can be revitalised.

The primary objective of the Action Plans is to enhance the quality of the town environment, strengthen the viability of local businesses and help to create a thriving town, and the Council have pledged to work closely with local interests to identify needs and priorities and to set out the actions that are necessary to make towns and villages better places in which to live, work and socialise.

Consultants have been appointed by Westmeath County Council to facilitate Action Plans, and an open invitation has been issued to all members of the public to come along to Moate Public Library on Wednesday evening, including community groups, voluntary organisations, environmental, heritage and conservation groups, tourism providers, sport and recreation providers, business owners, and all other interested persons. This will allow you to have your say in the future development of your area.