Author: cmckeown

Give the ‘Gift of a Lift’ this Christmas.

With the build up to Christmas well underway, many of us are preparing for work parties or meeting up with friends to celebrate the festive season.  But we all know that it can be difficult at times to get transport home at the end of a night out.  To raise awareness of the importance of planning your journey home, Monaghan County Council’s Road Safety Officer together with Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection, An Garda Siochana and the National Ambulance Service have launched their annual ‘Gift A Lift’ road safety Christmas campaign.

Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer with Monaghan County Council explained a bit more about what’s behind it. The “Gift of a Lift’ Christmas card is a novel way of getting across a serious message at a time of year when road users need to be extra careful, as roads are at their busiest and conditions can be dangerous.  The idea is that you ‘gift’ a family member or friend a lift home or organise a taxi for them over the festive season, ensuring they arrive home safely.

Present at the launch of the campaign was Sergeant Niall Leech from Monaghan Roads Policing Unit who welcomed the initiative with the following advice: “An Garda Síochána are reminding drivers to plan ahead when going out to celebrate over the holiday period.  Leave the car keys at home and either get a taxi or designate a driver.  Don’t forget you may still be over the legal alcohol limit the following morning, so don’t take any chances.  Gardaí will continue to focus on locations and times where fatal and serious injury collisions have previously occurred.  Our goal is to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. Our preliminary testing equipment can detect the presence of Cannabis, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines, Opiates, Amphetamine and Methamphetamine.  Roads Policing continues throughout the year in County Monaghan and Christmas time will be no different. Our advice is simple: Arrive home safe this Christmas and don’t ever drink or drive while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs” added Sergeant Leech.

Also present at the launch to support the ‘Gift of a lift’ initiative were members of Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection and the National Ambulance Service.   The effects of attending the scene of road traffic collisions can be profound on members of the emergency services as well as families, friends, and local communities.

Dermot Brannigan Chief Fire Officer with Monaghan Fire Civil Protection has the following message: “We are urging all road users to act responsibly and to not drink or drug drive when using the roads throughout Christmas, New Year or any time. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have catastrophic consequences with members of the Fire Service together with the Gardaí, Ambulance services and Local Authority staff all having to deal with the horrific aftermaths of such collisions. We would appeal to all road users not to take risks and to make safer choices. Wear your seatbelt, watch out for vulnerable road users and never walk on the road when intoxicated.   Don’t let your actions spoil a good night out and bring tragedy to your family this Christmas.”

Des Brennan Paramedic Supervisor with the National Ambulance Service reflected on how road safety is everyone’s responsibility. “We must all work together to keep everyone safe on our roads.  As of 25^th November 2024, there have been 158 fatalities countrywide, that’s 158 empty seats at the table this Christmas, which is far too high. Two of these fatalities have occurred in County Monaghan.   In addition to dealing with these fatal accidents, members of the emergency services have attended many serious collisions throughout the year, most of which didn’t even make the news headlines, but which have left people with life changing injuries”.

We all know someone for whom it can be difficult to choose a Christmas present, so why not give them the ‘Gift of a Lift’ and ensure they get home safely over the party season.  The card is available to print by searching for ‘Gift of a Lift’ on the Monaghan.ie website or from any County Monaghan library branch, whilst stocks last.

 

Click the link to download the Lift Card :      ‘Gift of a Lift’

Monaghan County Council is looking for your input and ideas on the redevelopment of McMahon’s ‘Red Boys’, Main Street, Emyvale as a Multi-use Community Hub.

Community Consultation Meeting in Emyvale Community Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday, 28^th November.

 

 

Monaghan Social Inclusion Week takes place from Monday 18^th November to Sunday 24^th November.

Monaghan Social Inclusion Week is a wonderful opportunity for local groups to highlight the diversity, strength and unity within our communities. It aims to promote inclusivity, celebrate cultural diversity, and highlight the positive impact of community engagement.

Monaghan Social Inclusion Week 2024 is being organised by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Equality Subgroup which is made up of representatives of the local key service providers.

The theme of this year’s Social Inclusion Week is “Respect & Connect.” Respecting and tolerating the beliefs of others is a key part of living in any democratic society. Ireland’s population is the youngest in Europe and is becoming increasingly diverse as more people from around the world choose to live, work and study here. Connection is a key part of including people in our society and helps with our wellbeing and sense of belonging.

A key aim of Social Inclusion Week is to highlight the positive work that Monaghan County Council and other service providers, as well as community groups, undertake in seeking to reduce social exclusion and poverty. It will raise awareness of the barriers experienced by citizens of Monaghan that lead to social inclusion. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of people in County Monaghan.

Speaking about Monaghan Social Inclusion Week 2024, An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Cathy Bennett said “Monaghan Social Inclusion Week 2024 is an initiative which aims to promote inclusion and integration. Social Inclusion Week is an opportunity for all those involved in the voluntary and community sectors to highlight the work they do on an ongoing basis which promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. I would like to acknowledge the work of all the groups who take part and wish them well.”

Speaking at the launch Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said “Social Inclusion helps build united communities and ensures that the marginalised have a voice, along with greater participation in Monaghan life. Social inclusion must be a priority in our communities in Monaghan and a responsibility for all.

Monaghan County Council is delighted to coordinate the schedule of events on behalf of the Monaghan LCDC Equality Subgroup. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the great work from all involved in Monaghan Social Inclusion Week 2024”.

For a full programme of events which will take place during Monaghan Social Inclusion Week 2024 please see Monaghan County Council’s social media accounts and at their website www.monaghan.ie

Clink here for Monaghan Social Inclusion Week Schedule 

Cavan Monaghan Science Festival 2024: A Celebration of Innovation and Discovery

The eagerly anticipated Cavan Monaghan Science Festival is set to launch on November 9th, running through to November 17th, with a diverse array of events taking place across both counties. This year’s festival promises to be an exciting celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), offering something for everyone.

The festival will feature a wide range of activities designed to engage and inspire participants of all ages.

The festival will culminate in the highly anticipated Big Family STEM Day at Monaghan Institute on Saturday, November 16th, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This grand finale will feature a plethora of interactive exhibits and activities ranging from Dinosaurs to Robots and lots in between!

“We are thrilled to bring the Cavan Monaghan Science Festival to our communities once again,” said Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council.  “Our goal is to ignite curiosity and foster a love for science and technology in people of all ages. With such a diverse lineup of events, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.  This festival is not just about showcasing scientific achievements, but about creating a space where everyone can engage, experiment, and be inspired. We believe that by nurturing engagement in STEM, we can build a brighter, more informed future for our community.”

The Cavan Monaghan Science Festival is a collaborative effort supported by Monaghan County Council, Cavan County Council, CMETB and Taighde Éireann/Research Ireland (formerly Science Foundation Ireland).   It aims to promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

For more information about the festival schedule and event details, please visit www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie  find us on Social Media  @ CMSciFest or contact sciencefestival@monaghancoco.ie

Media Contact: Karen Mc Cague kmccague@monaghancoco.ie 047 74702

Have your say!

Monaghan County Council and The Paul Hogarth Company are looking at how Creevy Lough, to the north of Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, can be improved as a resource for the local community. To help inform this process please complete the survey by clicking on this link:

https://consult.monaghancoco.ie/en/content/creevy-lough-recreational-masterplan-survey

 

If you would like to discuss Creevy Lough in person, please come meet our team on

Monday 11th of November 4pm – 6pm at the Fisheries building at Creevy Lough.

 

A series of Women’s Safety Audits took place in Monaghan during October which aimed to highlight specific safety concerns faced by women when walking in the centres of our large towns.

Findings from the audits will be shared in November as part of the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The campaign, which kicks off on 25^th November which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, runs until the 10^th of December which is Human Rights Day.

Every year the Campaign focuses on a specific theme and this year’s is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.” This year’s campaign calls on governments worldwide to share how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention. For more details, please see www.unwomen.org

The Women’s Safety Audits were a joint initiative between the Monaghan’s Women’s Assembly and the Equality Subgroup. The key objective is to provide safer spaces for women of all ages to walk in our towns. This will increase the opportunity for exercise and improve the health and well-being of women in the county.

The audits took place on the following dates:

• Clones – Wednesday 9^th October
• Ballybay – Wednesday 16^th October
• Blayney – Monday 21^st October
• Carrickmacross – Wednesday 23^rd October
• Monaghan – Wednesday 30^th October

A feature of the initiative was the partnership approach taken whereby a local group came on board to provide local knowledge including walking routes, and personnel for each audit. The groups included Clones Family Resource Centre, the Peace Link, Ballybay Pearse Brothers, WCI Blayney Blades, Carrickmacross Workhouse and Dochas for Women (WCI Monaghan).

Refreshments and a safety briefing were provided at each of the events. Items such as high viz vests, safety alarms and LED lighted hats were presented to each of the participants. Members of the Monaghan’s Women’s Assembly and the Equality Subgroup were also in attendance at each event.

The groups were given a safety audit sheet and were asked to consider a number of areas including lighting, signage, visibility and safety, accessibility and parking. For example, a number of faulty public lights were reported, and possible trip hazards were identified.

The Audit Findings will be presented to the Municipal District Engineers in each of the three areas’: Ballybay Clones MD, Carrickmacross/Castleblayney MD and Monaghan MD, for their consideration, and so that issues identified can be addressed.

Ursula McKenna, Chair of the LCDC Equality Subgroup, believes that the audits were a great success. She said “The feedback from the local partners involved in the audits has been very positive. The audits are a practicable way to look at safer walking spaces in our towns. They are also a great way to highlight women’s safety issues in the media and in our communities. We acknowledge the support of Monaghan County Council, whom we are working with to ensure that the management of our public spaces will provide safe walking environments for women in the county”.

Cllr. Cathy Bennett, Chair of the Women’s Safety Audit, praised the local groups who took part. She said “It was great to see so many women of all ages getting involved and taking responsibility for addressing safety in their communities. Ultimately the audits will play a major part in providing safer spaces for women of all ages to walk in our towns in Monaghan. We will publish our findings from each of the five towns in November as part of the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which we are proud that Monaghan is taking part in. Finally, I would like to thank each member of our partner groups in our five towns who took part.”

14^th – 18^th October

Climate Action Week is about raising awareness on actions and measures we can all do at a personal and local level and to showcase some of the projects and initiatives underway across our County.
The week serves as a platform to inspire action and drive positive change at local level. Attendance to the Climate Action Week events is free, with booking required for some events.

We look forward to seeing you at the wide range of events on offer.

For a full list of events taking place each day click links below:

Monday 14th of October 2024

Tuesday 15th of October 2024

Wednesday 16th of October 2024

Thursday 17th of October 2024

Friday 18th of October 2024

 

CycleConnects PLAN

 

The CycleConnects Plan which aims to improve sustainable travel by providing the potential for more trips on a safe, accessible and convenient cycling network, connecting more people to more places. Proposals for cycling links in key cities and towns in each county are included in the plan, in addition to connections between towns, villages and settlements. The plan also incorporates cycle routes such as greenways;

 

In September 2022, the draft CycleConnects network went out to public consultation. Since then, the network has been refined, based on:

• – Integration with the TII National Cycle Network (NCN)
• – Continued engagement with stakeholders (Dept. Of Transport, TII, local authorities)
• – Submissions from the public consultation

 

The updated network has now gone through an environmental assessment (SEA, AA and EqIA), and is out for its statutory public consultation period from 27^th September  to 25^th October 2024 –

 

• Observations, queries, suggestions to:​ activetravel@nationaltransport.ie​
• Consultation portal: https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en/consultation/cycleconnects-environmental-assessment-and-updated-network ​

 

Legislative Procedure for Traffic Calming Procedures under the Road Traffic Act 1994

Under the Road Traffic Act 1994 (As Amended) A road authority may, in the interest of the safety and convenience of road users, provide such traffic calming measures as they consider desirable in respect of public roads in their charge.

 

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (As Amended) of the following scheme:

 

N2 Monaghan Active Travel Section 2 Emyvale.

 

The proposed scheme will consist of:

• Provision of kerbing, build outs, and Toucan pedestrian crossings along the N2
• Provision of new cycle track
• Provision of additional traffic calming signage
• Provision of new seating & bike racks
• Provision of shared surface
• Improvements to existing drainage network where
• All associated site

 

In accordance with Section 38 of the above-mentioned legislation, Monaghan County Council, as the competent roads authority has concluded that the above scheme complies with the relevant section of the legislation, based on the nature, size, and location of the proposed scheme.

Plans and particulars of the proposed scheme are available for inspection on the Monaghan County Council website and at the offices of the Road Section, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Armagh Road, Monaghan

(047) 30597 and also at Monaghan MD Office, Glen Road, Monaghan Town during office hours from the 3^rd October 2024.

Submissions and observations in relation to the proposed works may be made in writing to the Roads Section, Monaghan County Council, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Armagh Road, Monaghan, and Monaghan MD Offices Glen Road Monaghan up to 5pm on Thursday 31^st October 2024

 

 Signed:                 Kevin West,

A/Senior Engineer – Roads Section, Monaghan County Council,

3^rd October 2024