€465 Million Capital Investment Programme Sets Out Clear Vision for County Monaghan, 2026–2028
Monaghan County Council has unveiled an ambitious €465 million Capital Investment Programme that will deliver transformational projects across housing, transport, regeneration and community infrastructure over the next three years.
Presented by Chief Executive Robert Burns and senior management at the Council’s January meeting, the 2026–2028 Capital Investment Programme comprises 141 individual projects, making it one of the largest and most wide‑ranging investment commitments in the local authority’s history.
The programme provides a strategic roadmap for strengthening communities, supporting economic growth, responding to climate challenges and ensuring balanced urban and rural development across County Monaghan. All projects are subject to statutory requirements and the necessary funding and public spending approvals.
Housing at the Heart of the Programme
Housing remains the single largest area of investment, with €248 million allocated to 44 housing projects currently at various stages of planning, construction and delivery.
Major schemes include developments at Cois Abhainn and Ballinode in Monaghan Town, Slí Lorcáin and Macartan View at Latlorcan, alongside Part V and Approved Housing Body projects in Castleblayney and Carrickmacross. Future housing delivery is also planned for Scotstown, Newbliss, Clones, Ballybay and Rockcorry, ensuring provision across the county. In 2025, Monaghan County Council delivered 113 new homes at locations including Tydavnet, Carrickroe, Park Street (cost‑rental), Mullaghmatt and Station View, demonstrating a strong track record of delivery.
Investment in Safer Roads and Better Connectivity
A further €60.9 million has been committed to roads and transportation, supporting national, regional and local infrastructure improvements.
Key projects include progress on the N2 Clontibret‑to‑Border and N2 Ardee‑to‑Castleblayney schemes, construction of the N54 Tullybryan Road from 2026, and advancement of the N53 Ballynacarry Bridge Replacement. Local priorities include works on the Monaghan Town Southern Link Road, Carrickmacross Inner Link Road, Monaghan Town Culvert Phase II, and the R181 Drumillard‑to‑Crossduff upgrade. Continued investment will also support road safety, cycleway enhancements and the expansion of the Ulster Canal Greenway.
Active Travel and Sustainable Transport
Active Travel remains a core focus, with National Transport Authority‑funded schemes progressing across the county. These include the Horseshoe Bridge Active Travel Scheme, due for completion in Q1 2026, and the Ballyalbany Bridge Active Travel Scheme, commencing January 20206. Safe Routes to School projects will further improve safety and accessibility for younger road users.
Regeneration, Enterprise and Vibrant Town Centres
More than €100 million is earmarked for regeneration and economic development projects aimed at revitalising town centres, supporting enterprise and enhancing community facilities.
Flagship initiatives include Castleblayney Market Square Phase II, Carrickmacross Town Centre Renewal, Dublin Street Regeneration, the new Civic Offices, and enterprise‑focused projects such as the Blackwater Valley Rural Enterprise and Digital Hub, Annahagh Serviced Industrial Sites, Fermanagh Street Business Hub, and St Tiarnach’s Quarter Regeneration Hub.
Community‑led projects such as Rockcorry Community Centre and the Ballybay Market House public library also feature prominently.
Tourism, Amenity and Climate Action
An additional €30 million will be invested in tourism, recreation and amenity improvements, including upgrades at Dartrey Forest Park, the Rossmore Forest Park extension, and improvements at Black Island and Lough Muckno, further strengthening Monaghan’s appeal as a destination for outdoor recreation.
Climate action and sustainability measures underpin the programme, with participation in the SEAI Energy Pathfinder Programme supporting deep energy retrofits of major public buildings, alongside low‑carbon, data‑driven pavement maintenance approaches to improve road quality by 2030.
Focus on Delivery
The scale of the programme is matched by a strong emphasis on delivery, with €102 million worth of projects currently on site, €59 million at tender stage, and a further €305 million progressing through planning and design.
