It's in an effort to make local politics more family-friendly.
Plans to introduce maternity leave for county councillors are being welcomed locally.
Proposals due before Cabinet tomorrow would see councillors eligible to co-opt a replacement for the duration of their leave and give access to secretarial assistance.
Westmeath councillor Louise Heavin has two young children.
She says the volume of calls and unreasonably long meetings are some of the most difficult aspects of the job.
Nine of the 58 councillors in the midlands are women.
The Green Party rep says the making the role more family-friendly will benefit everyone:
Westmeath School Appeals For Enrolments To Retain Two Teacher Status
Mixed Fortunes For Midlands Towns In Latest Litter Rankings
Midlands Carers In Focus As National Carers Week Gets Underway
Gardaí Investigating Alleged Shots Fired In Laois
Westmeath Retail Worker Sentenced To Eight Months For Violent Assault
Two Midlands Lotto Players Win Big In Saturday Night Draw
Man Hospitalised After Serious Laois Assault
Gardaí Investigating Arson Attack on Westmeath Sports Centre
Public Meeting Set To Take Place On Proposed Westmeath Climate Centre
Offaly Teacher Who Faked Two Pregnancies Avoids Further Jail Time
HSE Seeks Retention Permission For Coffee Dock At Laois Hospital
Offaly Pupils Become Local Stars After Publishing Bestselling Book
Katie Taylor To Fight At Croke Park In September
Offaly Gardaí Renew Appeal For Witnesses To Firearm Incident
Cruinniú Na nÓg Returns With Workshops And Events Across Region
Ukrainian President Seeking Face-To-Face Talks With Vladimir Putin
Ireland’s Oldest Person Dies Aged 109
Midlands Hospice Long Overdue - Hospice Fundraising Committee
Westmeath Town Set For First Official Pride Parade This Weekend
Westmeath Business Wins €15k Award For Supporting Irish Business