The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys met with Paula O’Dornan and Cathaoirleach of Westmeath Paddy Hill from Westmeath last week to discuss the Government’s plans for Ireland 2016.
A workshop of county co-ordinators was also held with the Ireland 2016 Project Team, to facilitate the development of plans at local level to commemorate the 1916 Rising.
Minister Humphreys said: “Ireland 2016 is the Government’s initiative to commemorate the 1916 Rising, to consider our achievements over the last 100 years, and to ask ourselves what we want to achieve in the next 100. Community involvement in the commemorations will enable as many people as possible across Westmeath to get involved so the commemorations leave a lasting legacy.
“The co-operation of local authorities is essential to ensure that events and initiatives are developed at a local level. I want the commemorations to extend right across the country. Every county will have some link to the Rising, but it’s also a chance for local people to look back and consider what life was like in 1916.”
“The public consultation process is ongoing, and meetings will be held in the coming months, so members of the public can come together to hear about Ireland 2016, meet those involved in their community and learn about how they can get involved,” he added.
