Birr vision meeting tonight

Locals with an interest in Birr’s future are being encouraged to attend a meeting this evening (Monday), hosted by Birr 20:20, a group that wants to develop a vision and plan an implementation strategy for the town in which partnership, collaboration and co-operation are the dominant characteristics.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent local business man and Birr 20:20 member Adrian Haines said the movement is an initiative to fill the gap left by the town council, which ceased to exist in May. It first met last March, and has met a couple of times since.

“What we’re trying to do is create initiatives to make use of unused public buildings like the courthouse, the town hall and the old town hall offices,” Adrian explained. “We’re trying to create a vision for Birr, its people and the environment.”

Of particular interest to the new group is the establishment of a summer school in Birr, which would bring the town to international attention. Given the town’s history, it’s thought a summer school could be run along a theme such as 'science’ or 'technology’.

It’s also hoped that community groups can share resources under the initiative in the future.

Tonight’s meeting is an open, public meeting, that everyone is welcome to attend. Taking place in Marian Hall at 8pm, the meeting will be chaired by Michael Donegan and will include an introduction by Salters Sterling and a presentation by Adrian Haines.