Monaghan County Council was delighted to welcome the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, to County Monaghan on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. Minister Calleary visited a range of significant community, recreation, and regeneration projects across the county and officially opened a number of completed developments, highlighting the positive impact of Government investment in rural communities.
The Minister was met and welcomed by the Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr PJ O’Hanlon and Chief Executive, Robert Burns, along with elected members, council staff, community representatives, and project stakeholders.
The visit showcased the breadth of development taking place across County Monaghan, supported by key funding streams including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), Community Recognition Fund (CRF), and the CLÁR Programme.
Community and Recreation Projects Across the County
During the visit, Minister Calleary officially opened and launched several projects that are enhancing quality of life, supporting community wellbeing, and strengthening local infrastructure.
At Cloughvalley, the Minister officially opened the new Sensory Park, developed under the Community Recognition Fund. The project provides an inclusive and accessible space for all members of the community, featuring sensory planting, seating areas, and landscaped surroundings designed to promote wellbeing and social inclusion.
At Lough Muckno, Carrickmacross, the Minister officially launched the recreational enhancements at Black Island. Supported under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the project has improved accessibility, visitor facilities, and overall amenity value, supporting tourism and year-round community use.
In Aughnamullen, the Minister officially opened upgrades at Aughnamullen GFC, including improvements to the spectator stand and the development of a modern community gym. Delivered through the CLÁR Programme, these works enhance the club’s capacity to support sporting, social, and community activities.
Town Centre Regeneration – Castleblayney Market House and Market Square
A key stop on the Minister’s visit was Castleblayney, where he attended a works commencement ceremony of the Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration Project, centred on the refurbishment of the historic Market House.
This transformative project, supported under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, will see the repurposing of the Market House into a vibrant, multi-use community building, accommodating cultural, retail, hospitality, and office uses.
In addition, the project includes significant public realm enhancements to the surrounding Market Square, creating an improved, attractive, and functional town centre space that will support social interaction, local business activity, and community events.
The project has an overall cost of €14.6 million, with €11.9m funded under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the remainder provided through match funding by Monaghan County Council.
This major regeneration initiative represents a significant investment in the long-term vitality of Castleblayney, reinforcing its role as a key service and economic centre within the county.
Official Opening of Newbliss Enterprise & Digital Hub
Another central highlight of the visit was the official opening of the Newbliss Enterprise & Digital Hub, representing a significant investment in the future economic and social development of the Newbliss area and wider west Monaghan region.
The state-of-the-art facility has been developed to support enterprise growth, remote working, digital innovation, and community connectivity, while providing modern and flexible workspace opportunities for entrepreneurs, start-ups, remote workers, and small businesses.
The project reflects Monaghan County Council’s continued commitment to supporting balanced regional development, revitalising rural towns and villages, and enabling communities to thrive through investment in digital infrastructure and enterprise supports.
Supporting Tourism and Community Infrastructure
In Monaghan Town, Minister Calleary performed the sod turning for a new Motorhome Stopover Facility, funded under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2025. This project will provide essential services for visitors, enhancing tourism infrastructure and supporting the continued development of the local visitor economy.
Official Opening of Ballinode Community Centre
The final stop of the visit saw Minister Calleary officially open the new Ballinode Community Centre, a state-of-the-art facility delivered with €500,000 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with match funding provided by McAree Engineering.
The centre provides a modern, accessible space for social, educational, and recreational activities and will act as a central hub for the community for many years to come.
Speaking following the visit, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Calleary to County Monaghan and to showcase the wide range of projects that are enriching communities across the county. From recreational amenities to community facilities, these developments are enhancing quality of life and providing inclusive spaces where people can connect and thrive.
The strength of these projects lies in the collaboration between local communities, elected members and Monaghan County Council. I would like to commend all those involved, whose dedication and commitment continue to shape vibrant, sustainable and proud communities throughout Monaghan.”
Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Robert Burns, added:
“The projects visited today highlight Monaghan County Council’s strong track record in delivering impactful investment through national funding programmes. By aligning initiatives such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme with local priorities, we are achieving meaningful and measurable outcomes.
Our focus remains on creating long-term economic and social benefit, whether through regeneration of town centres, supporting enterprise and remote working, or strengthening tourism infrastructure. These investments are critical to ensuring that County Monaghan remains competitive, resilient and well-positioned for future growth.”
Speaking during his visit, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said:
“As Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, it is important to me that those who chose to live in rural Ireland are given the chance to avail of the increased remote working opportunities that have emerged in recent years. I would like to thank all those involved in these transformative projects in County Monaghan, which will have a positive impact for years to come.”