Local Green Party Councillor, Louise Heavin, has been appointed to the role of Heritage spokesperson for the political party.
An architect by profession, Louise and has long been an advocate for built and natural heritage and following her local authority election last year she was also appointed as the chair of the Westmeath Heritage Forum.
“I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Heritage spokesperson. It is something I have been very passionate about throughout my life. We have a rich fabric of historic towns and villages across Ireland, especially here in the Midlands region.
“We also have a wealth of natural heritage that provides habitats for biodiversity and interesting landscapes to explore. These qualities make Ireland a unique and special place to visit or to call home. We are currently facing an unprecedented biodiversity emergency. The science has been very clear.
“In Ireland both our built and natural heritage has been under threat for some years now from a lack of investment and protection. This role presents a great opportunity for me. I am looking forward to using my voice at a national level to advocate for the defence and restoration of our heritage,” Cllr. Heavin enthused.
Cllr. Peter Kavanagh from South Dublin County Council is the Green Party Spokesperson for the Gaeltacht. Peter is a language-rights activist, journalist and broadcaster. He is the co-founder of the Pop Up Gaeltacht and a former translator and educator.
Cllr. Claire Byrne from Dublin City Council is the Green Party Spokesperson for Arts and Culture. Claire has 15 years experience in politics and works as an environmental education specialist and sustainability consultant for the events industry, including the Body and Soul Festival which takes place annually at Ballinlough Castle, Co. Westmeath.