Author: jmcanenly

Monaghan County Council is pleased to confirm that planning approval has been issued by An Bord Pleanála for a major regeneration scheme to the south of Dublin Street in Monaghan town centre. The project targets regeneration of the backland area’s to the south of Dublin Street, the opening of development lands, the assembly of suitable land parcels, and the provision of critical infrastructure and public realm facilities that will serve as a catalyst for future town centre investment. The project aims to regenerate an area in urban decline, generate employment and contribute to the creation of a new urban quarter, whilst integrating successfully within the established built-up area of the town.

Planning approval for the project is a significant milestone in the Council’s progression of strategic regeneration proposals for Dublin Street environs and wider town centre area. The South Dublin Street scheme marks the first phase of an ambitious regeneration strategy for Dublin Street areas (North & South) and adjoining Rooskey Lands. Funding of over €13.1 million has been allocated for the Dublin Street Regeneration project by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), with match funding being provided by Monaghan County Council.

In terms of project progression, Monaghan County Council will advance the preparation of final detailed designs and draft tender documentation in the coming months. Negotiations for property acquisitions with affected property owners will continue during the year. The Council expect that a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for properties not acquired by agreement will be progressed in 2025. Monaghan County Council will continue to work in partnership with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in progressing the regeneration scheme to the next project stage approval (Pre-Tender Approval) as required under the Public Spending Code/Infrastructural Guidelines.

Monaghan County Council, Chief Executive Robert Burns said: “Monaghan County Council are extremely happy to secure planning approval from An Bord Pleanála for the South Dublin Street and Backlands Regeneration project. Delivery of regeneration schemes, driving economic growth and promoting community and social benefits within our towns and villages are top priorities for Monaghan County Council. The principal vision of the proposed regeneration scheme is to create a new vibrant and sustainable urban quarter in our county town, addressing the weaknesses of the area and maximising its strengths. In partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Monaghan County Council is fully committed to progressing this transformative project to a successful fruition, thereby contributing to economic, community, tourism and cultural development within Dublin Street environs and wider town area”.   

Cathaoirleach for Monaghan County Council Cllr. Paul Gibbons stated:  “I wholeheartedly welcome planning approval from An Bord Pleanála for this long-awaited regeneration scheme. The successful delivery of the project will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Dublin Street and its backlands, thereby creating local economic and community benefits and making Monaghan a better place to live, work and visit”.

Monaghan County Council recently published the Capital Investment Programme for 2025 to 2027. This ambitious programme sets out an investment of €454 million over the next three years and aligns with the Council’s vision to ensure County Monaghan is a thriving, entrepreneurial, and vibrant community supported by a prosperous economy and a sustainable environment.

The programme encompasses 127 projects aimed at achieving investment across all three municipal districts. Robert Burns, Chief Executive said: ‘Our commitment to the delivery of capital projects is evident through this programme. We are already delivering on our promises, with over €75 million worth of projects at construction or tender stage. Our goal is to ensure balanced development across the county, and the new County Development Plan, once approved, will further drive future capital programmes. This substantial capital programme, alongside our annual revenue budget of €94 million, underscores the Council’s intent, ambition and focus on delivery. The 2025-2027 capital programme reflects a 22% increase in the projected spend compared to last year’s programme’.

Housing projects account for 53% of the programme spend, with 44 separate projects valued at over €241 million over the programme’s lifetime. Robert Burns stated that ‘the level of investment in housing demonstrates this Council’s commitment to the provision of social and affordable housing for the people of Monaghan.’

Transportation infrastructure projects with a value of almost €71 million are planned, representing almost 16% of the projected programme costs. The investment include upgrades to National Roads, Non-National Roads and Active Travel Schemes within the County, including the continuing development of the Ulster Canal Greenway, construction of new walking and cycling bridges in Monaghan town and enhanced active travel connectivity in Clones.

The capital programme will also invest nearly €57 million in over 42 projects related to regeneration, economic development, public realm enhancement and the development of amenities, providing a diverse range of projects such as the Council’s proposed new Civic Offices and Dublin Street Regeneration in Monaghan town, the second phase of the Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration, Carrickmacross Workhouse Campus development, Newbliss Digital and Enterprise Hub, Ballybay’s new Fire Station and the development of a new library and civic space at the old Market House in Ballybay. On economic development, the Council plans to provide serviced industrial sites as part of a new 16-acre, campus-style business park at Annahagh near Monaghan town.

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Paul Gibbons said ‘this is a Programme that will benefit all the people of Monaghan. Regardless of which part of the county you live in, there is something in this programme for everyone. The number and value of projects currently at construction in this county is a clear sign that this Council is delivering for the people of Monaghan and we hope that the future projects listed in this programme demonstrate our commitment to delivering the infrastructure required to further strengthen our county its and communities.’

Application to An Bord Pleanála for approval under Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Infrastructural Improvements to the Dromore Blueway

 

Notice is hereby given that Monaghan County Council proposes to seek approval from An Bord Pleanála for proposed development from Ballybay to Lisnalong, Co. Monaghan.

 

The development will consist of the following:

Development of infrastructural Improvements to the Dromore Blueway from Ballybay to Lisnalong, Co. Monaghan.

1. Renewing and widening slipway, provision of car park, removal of height restriction Gate, Internal Laneways works at Ballycoghill Bridge,
2. New Entrance, provision of car park, pathways, play area, new information board and picnic tables, improvement to existing slipway at Ballynascarva Bridge,
3. New drainage work to laneway and resurfacing, turning heads at White Lough, South Shore,
4. Renew and widen the slipway at Balladian Bridge,
5. Renew and widen the slipway, new turning head at Baird’s Shore,
6. Improvement to existing slipway and gravelled area at Ballybay Wetlands,
7. Proposed floating pontoon, new information board at Lough Major,
8. Construction of ancillary works at all sites, including signages, permeable paving, fencing, landscaping, and other ancillary works required to deliver the project.

 

This application relates to protected structures Ref: 41402310 (Ballycoghill Bridge)

Location:

• Ballycoghill Bridge, Clossagh Beg,
• Ballynascarva Bridge, Lisnalong,
• White Lough, South Shore, Anny [DED: Anny],
• Balladian Bridge, Balladian,
• Baird’s Shore, Drumskelt [DED: Anny],
• Ballybay Wetlands, Derryvally,
• Lough Major, Cornamucklaglass, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan.

 

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared as part of the application for approval in respect of the proposed development.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report for the proposed development has been carried out and has determined that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including Natura Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report, will be available between 9^th January 2025 to 6^th March 2025 (inclusive of both dates) for inspection free of charge, or for purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the following locations:

• Monaghan County Council Planning Offices at 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan, H18 X982, between the hours of 9.15am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.00pm (Excluding Public Holidays).

 

• Carrickmacross Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan A81 RY22, between the hours of 9.15am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.00pm (Excluding Public Holidays).

 

• Ballybay-Clones Municipal District Office, The Diamond, Clones, Co. Monaghan, H23 X378 between the hours of 9.15am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.15pm (Excluding Public Holidays)

 

• The offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 between the hours 9:15am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday (Excluding Public Holidays)

 

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including the Natura Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report are also available for viewing online on the Monaghan County Council website at https://monaghan.ie/ from 9^th January 2025 to 6^th March 2025 (inclusive of both dates).

Submissions or observations regarding the proposed development may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála with an address of 64 Marlborough St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 V902 or online at www.pleanala.ie during the period from 9^th January 2025 to 6^th  March 2025 (inclusive of both dates) in relation to:

1. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development.
2. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the proposed development; and
3. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out

and must include the following:

1. the name of the person, authority or body making the submission or observations, the name of the person if any, acting on behalf of that person, authority or body, and the address to which any correspondence relating to the application should be sent,
2. the subject matter of the submission or observations, and
3. the reasons, considerations and arguments on which the submission or observations is or are based.

 

Any submission or observations which do not comply with these requirements cannot be considered by the board. The board may at its absolute discretion hold on oral hearing on the application.

The Board may decide to:

1. (i) approve the proposed development

 

(ii) make such modifications to the proposed development as it specifies in its decision and grant approval in respect of the proposed development are so modified,

(iii) approve, in part only, the proposed development (with or without specified modifications of it of the foregoing kind); and may attach conditions as it considers appropriate to an approval or

1. Refuse to approve the proposed development.

 

A person may question the validity of any such decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts as provided for in Section 50 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2022. Further information can be obtained from An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 in respect of the judicial review procedure.

Further information in respect of the Judicial Review process can also be found on www.citizensinformation.ie – Contact Lo Call 1890 777 121 or + 353 21 452 1600 for details of the locations and operating hours of your local Citizens Information Centre.

 

Signed:

Gareth McMahon

Director of Services 

Monaghan County Council

 

Dated:   9^th January 2025

 

Supporting documentation and drawings in relation to this application can be found below:

Dromore Blueway ABP Applications Documentation

Submissions or observations duly made will be considered by An Bord Pleanála in making a decision on the application. Please note any submissions or observations made directly to Monaghan County Council in respect of this proposal will not be considered as valid submissions/observations by An Bord Pleanála.

Have your say on the County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Monaghan

Public Consultation Events

 

Wednesday 27th November

The Market House, Monaghan – Drop in from 6pm to 8pm

 

Thursday 28th November

Ulster Canal Stores, Clones – Drop in from 2pm to 4pm

 

Thursday 28th November

The Gate Lodge, Castleblayney – Drop in from 6pm to 8pm

 

Monaghan County Council would like to invite members of the public to attend public consultation events in relation to the development of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Monaghan.

The National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, calls out the need for every county to develop a County Outdoor Recreation Plan. The plan will ensure that the needs of the county are prioritised and aligned with the National Strategy which aims to lead, guide and facilitate the sustainable development and management of outdoor recreation and increased participation, in order to realise social, health and economic benefits.

Monaghan County Council has commissioned Outscape to develop a County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Monaghan which will identify strategic priorities and a prioritised action plan. This 5-year action plan will ensure a planned and coordinated approach between stakeholders to develop and deliver future outdoor recreation projects as funding becomes available.

If you have any queries on the above, please email Aoife Duffy, Tourism Unit, Monaghan County Council on Aoife.duffy@monaghancoco.ie

Monaghan’s first ever Comic Con touches down at the Peace Campus on 26^th October from 11am-4pm.

Brought to you by Monaghan Libraries, Cavan Monaghan LCYP and Mini-Con Ireland, it is a free entry event boasting very familiar attractions for seasoned convention-goers, and a superb introduction for anyone who has never been to a comic con before.

Everyone will be welcome at this very exciting all-inclusive event which will include amazing workshops covering creature sculpting and comic art, along with lots of artists and traders selling everything from collectibles to Lego, comics and Pokemon trading cards.

Special guests will include Toby Philpott, most known for Puppeteering Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi, along with puppet work on Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors, The Dark Crystal and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Hugh Spight, another Star Wars performer, will be joining Toby for a chat about their time working together on Return of the Jedi and The Dark Crystal, along with his own experiences on DR Who operating a Dalek, The Great Muppet Caper and also his cameo appearance in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Miltos Yerolemou, best known for his role as Syrio Forel in Game of Thrones will be hosting a sword fighting workshop, mimicking his character’s training of Arya Stark on the show. An unmissable experience for fans of the series.

PJ Holden, a well known Northern Irish comic artist, will be holding a sketch workshop for anyone who is interested in a career in comic art. PJ is most well known for artwork on Judge Dredd, 2000ad and Warhammer Monthly.

Marvel/DC accredited artist Stephen Mooney will also be appearing to answer your questions about his illustrious career on titles such as Half Past Danger, The Web of Black Widow, The World According to Wolverine, The Rocketeer and many more.

Expect high quality costumes from the movies and anime for the cosplay competition and attendees are encouraged to throw on their own costumes to add to the exhilarating atmosphere.

Connect with Monaghan Comic Con on Facebook for updates and workshop sign-ups and make sure you don’t miss Monaghan’s 1^st ever comic con.

We want to alert you to a recent scam involving individuals falsely claiming to represent NBI. These scammers are contacting people, pretending to work with NBI, and asking them to install software on their computer or phone. This software is designed to access your device without permission and could be used for harmful purposes.   Here’s what you should know: 1. NBI will never ask you to install any software on your device to manage your fibre broadband or for any other reason. 2. If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from NBI, do not share any personal information with them. 3. If they ask you to install software, end the call immediately and do not follow their instructions.   What to do if you receive such a call: 1. Do not engage with the caller. Report the incident to your broadband service provider. 2. Run security checks on your devices to ensure they are safe. It’s also a good idea to update your antivirus and security software. 3. Always be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages asking for personal details or access to your devices. Your security and trust are our top priorities. If you have any concerns or need help, please contact your broadband service provider for support.