Westmeath natives who are home from abroad for the holidays, and all those who consider themselves part of the Westmeath diaspora, are invited to take part in a major survey on the future development of their home county.
Westmeath County Council has just announced the launch of the Westmeath Diaspora Strategy 2017-2021, which is set to play a significant role in the county’s economic, social and cultural development.
A spokesperson for Westmeath County Council said the aim is to strengthen the links between the county and the diaspora communities living abroad:
“There are many people of Westmeath origin who live abroad but who have a sense of connection to their county of origin. The new strategy will identify how Westmeath can build relationships with its diaspora that will benefit local development and strengthen links between diaspora communities and Westmeath.”
People living overseas who used to live in Westmeath, or whose family are originally from Westmeath, are invited to complete an online surveyat www.surveymonkey.com/r/WestmeathDiasporaSurvey
People living in Westmeath who have friends or relatives living abroad are encouraged to let them know about the online survey.
Written submissions can also be made. These can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Diaspora Strategy Consultation, c/o Hugh O’Reilly, Senior Executive Officer, Community Development, Westmeath County Council, County Buildings, Mullingar. The closing date for written submissions is Friday January 27, 2017.
According to the council, the Westmeath Diaspora Strategy will identify areas of focus in strengthening links with Westmeath’s diaspora communities, across a variety of generations and locations. These can range from long-settled descendants of Famine-era emigrants in the United States, Argentina, or Britain to the new families of the post-Celtic Tiger migration wave now living in Toronto, Perth, or Dubai.
As part of the development of the strategy, two consultation meetings will take place: in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar, on Wednesday January 18 from 6-7pm, and in Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, Moate, on Thursday January 19, from 6-7pm.
If you would like to attend a consultation meeting, please register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WestmeathDiasporaWorkshops, email [email protected], or telephone (044 ) 9332051.
