Water quality in our rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal waters has deteriorated in recent years. We need urgent action to halt this decline and reverse the damage.

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) are asking for your views and comments on what needs to happen for the next six-years that can make a difference for water quality, nature, climate, and local communities.

Come along to an online meeting for PPN Members on Tuesday 30^th November at 7pm and let your views be heard.

The purpose of this meeting, which will comprise of a 30-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of Q&A and discussion, is to consider the issues affecting water quality in Monaghan’s rivers and lakes, and what is proposed to protect and restore them as outlined in the Draft River Basin Management Plan 2022-2027. Participants will also be informed as to how they can go about making submission on the Draft River Basin Management Plan.

The Draft Plan was published in September by the Government and is open for public consultation period until 31st March, 2022. You can download it here: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/2bda0-public-consultation-on-the-draft-river-basin-management-plan-for-ireland-2022-2027/.

You can also learn more about the Draft Plan via the Virtual Public Consultation Room and make a make a submission on the plan here: https://drbmp-vcr.ie/

If you wish to attend, please register in advance for this meeting by clicking on the link below:

https://lawaters-ie.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvdu-hqDosEtUewGPEJ0DVDtCkaDaDIk8E

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

A safer, more reliable water supply on the horizon for Newbliss, Monaghan as ageing water mains set for replacement

Thursday, 7 October 2021 – Irish Water, working in partnership with Monaghan County Council, is replacing over 3.2 km of damaged, old water mains in Newbliss, Co Monaghan to provide a more safe and secure water supply for customers in the local community. The works will also reduce the high level of leakage and improve water quality. As part of the project, the ageing water mains are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

Outlining the benefits of these works Declan Cawley, Irish Water, explained: “These essential works will benefit customers in Newbliss by replacing ageing water mains with new and improved plastic pipes, which will strengthen and reinforce the water network. The immediate impact of this work will see an improvement to water supply in the area as well as minimising disruptions in the customers water supply by reducing leakage and improving water quality.

“Upon completion, there will be significant improvements in the network performance and levels of customer service in this area in terms of efficiency and security of supply.”

The works are scheduled to commence in the coming days and will take place along the R183 from Newbliss to Kileevan and onto St Livious Church. Works will also take place along the L2152 and the L21521. The works are due for completion in January 2022. Farrans Construction Ltd are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Irish Water.

This project is one example of how Irish Water is working in partnership with Monaghan County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000km of water pipe in Ireland. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2019 it was 42%, it had reduced further to 40% at the end of 2020 and we are currently on course to achieving a national leakage rate of 38% by the end of 2021.

Declan added: “To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be some traffic management in place however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

“The works may involve some short-term water outages and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water outages. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.

“This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network in Monaghan and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job.”

Customers can phone Irish Water on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website for regular updates.

The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Its delivery represents an investment of over €500 million between 2017 and the end of 2021 to reduce leakage and replace old pipes on the water network.

Irish Water continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.

For more information on reducing leaks visit our national Leakage Reduction Programme page on www.water.ie.

The NTA wants your views on its proposals to improve public transport in rural Ireland. The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is an ambitious programme of enhancements to create a more integrated, accessible, and sustainable public transport network for rural Ireland.  The NTA will be holding online public information events on the 15th, 16th and 18th of November, these webinars will give you the opportunity to hear from the NTA team and to learn more about Connecting Ireland. For more information visit: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/consultations/connecting-ireland-consultation/

To register for one of the upcoming webinars, clink the relevant link below

Public Webinar 1 – Monday 15 November 11:00 AM

Public Webinar 2 – Tuesday 16 November 7:00 PM

Public Webinar 3 – Thursday 18 November 1:00 PM

Temporary Closing of Roads

Monaghan County Council gives notice of its intention to close the following road in the Municipal District of Monaghan in County Monaghan:

Date of Closure:               29/11/2021 – 03/12/2021

Times:                                  08:00hrs – 18:00hrs

Roads Closed:                    LP-1011 in the townland of Drumsheaver between the junctions with the LT10112 and the LT10113.

Diversion Route:              Westbound traffic via the LS-5070 at the Townland of Clontybunnia.

Eastbound traffic via the LS-5060 at the Townland of Derrynagad.

All detours will be signposted in order to direct the traffic. (Local Access and Emergency Vehicles will be catered for at all times).

Any interested person may lodge an objection to the closing of the above-mentioned road with the Head of Roads, Monaghan County Council, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan not later than Tuesday 16^th November 2021.  Any objections must be clearly marked on envelope “Objection to Road Closure”.

 

This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993 (Section 75)

Signed:
Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
11^th November 2021

___________________________________________________________

Road Works Speed Limit Order

 

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Road Traffic Act 2004 Section 10 (1) of the Council’s intention to put in place Special Speed Limit for Road Works on the road listed below in the Municipal District of Ballybay-Clones. The speed limit is being put in place in the interest of road safety as the road surface is an unfinished road surface.      

                        

50km/h speed limit signs will be in place at the following locations in the Municipal District of Ballybay – Clones	Townland Name	Start Date	End Date
LS6511 Urcher to Drumalt road  For a distance of 2514m from its junction with the LP2500/2501 to its junction with the LS6501	Urcher, Corvoam, Drumgreeny, Tirardan,Drumalt	18/11/2021	30/06/2022

 

Signed
G McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
11^th November 2021

______________________________________________________________

Creation of a new pedestrian/cycling route between Coill Darach & Knocktornagh Housing Developments, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

Monaghan County Council are working under the 2021 Active Travel Investment Programme funded by the National Transport Authority to deliver various projects which will encourage journeys by walking or cycling within towns and villages in County Monaghan. We propose to enhance the permeability of this part of Castleblayney town by opening a direct pedestrian/cycling route from the rear of these residential estates and create a shortcut to the amenities in the Bree area. Local residents and the general public are invited to view these maps and plans from 12th – 26th November 2021 during business hours in the following locations:   Monaghan County Council, MTEK II, Armagh Road, Monaghan, H18Y H59

Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81 RY22

______________________________________________________________

Europe Direct Clones

 

Enter the Europe Direct Clones Soapbox Competition 2021 for your chance to win an iPad Mini and represent our region at the National Finals.

This year’s topic is ‘Lies, damned lies and statistics’ – establishing the truth is impossible in today’s world of misinformation, disinformation and propaganda.

This year the competition is going virtual so participants can record their speech and send it to us by the 18^th of November.  The winners will go forward to represent our region in the National Competition in December.

We are asking participants to video their 3 minute speech and send it to us to be judged by our panel of judges.  Regional winners will be sent forward for the National Final in December, (this will also be a virtual event).  There are 2 categories 16 & under and 17 & over with wonderful prizes to be won.

For an application form or to enter the competition contact eudirect@monaghancoco.ie

The closing date to receive entries is the 18^th of November at 5pm.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022

Monaghan County Council is now inviting applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2022.

Overview

The BHIS seeks to encourage the investment of private capital in a number of small scale, labour intensive projects to repair and conserve historic structures and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons. The scheme is designed to assist the owners and/or occupiers of structures/properties that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).  It will be administered by Monaghan County Council’s Planning Section.

Eligibility

The categories of structures/properties eligible for funding under this scheme are:

• Protected Structures
• Proposed Protected Structures
• Structures/properties in Architectural Conservation Areas or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances are deemed by the Department to apply.

 

Funding available

The minimum funding award under this scheme will be €2,500, up to a maximum of €15,000.

Successful applicants will be required to, at a minimum, match their funding award. The overall allocation for County Monaghan in 2022 is €96,000.

How to apply

The BHIS 2022 Circular, application form and associated information are available to download at www.monaghan.ie . Hard copies are also available at Planning Reception.

Completed applications using Form A and accompanied by a comprehensive method statement must be submitted to Angela Gallagher, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan Town, H18 X982 or emailed to planning@monaghancoco.ie  on or before the 31^st January 2022.

Signed: Adrian Hughes
Acting Director of Service
Monaghan County Council
Date: 11^th November 2021

_________________________________________________________________________

Historic structures fund 2022

Monaghan County Council is now inviting applications under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2022.

Overview

The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund is on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.  It aims to enable conservation works to be carried out on heritage structures which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support. The scheme is designed to assist the owners and/or occupiers of structures/properties that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). It will be administered by Monaghan County Council’s Planning Section.

Project promoters are encouraged to incorporate a traditional skills training element in the project. Applications in respect of refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, and where a clear residential benefit is demonstrated, will be welcomed (subject to obtaining any necessary planning approvals).

The funding streams for 2022 are as follows:-

1. Stream 1 will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.
2. Stream 1, Historic Shopfronts sub-stream is aimed at incentivising the refurbishment and conservation of historic shopfronts and Irish-language shopfronts and will fund small capital works to their facades, windows, signage and other associated details. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.
3. Stream 2 will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or a clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (subject to obtaining any necessary planning approvals). Successful applicants will be required to, at a minimum, match their funding award by 50% of eligible costs. In exceptional circumstances a higher percentage may be sought, subject to a maximum of 80% of eligible costs. Grant may be phased over two years.
4. Vernacular Structures Stream – will offer funding of between €5,000 and €10,000 to support conservation repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected to safeguard the structure and keep it in use. Such structures may be located within an Architectural Conservation Area or comprise ‘informal’ traditional buildings, which are a significant part of our intangible cultural heritage. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.

Projects in Partnership – Works to care for historic structures and buildings in public ownership and to improve recreational infrastructure and public access to these heritage assets. The Minister may designate part of the Fund for projects in partnership with State-funded organisations such as the Office of Public Works, the Irish Heritage Trust, Waterways Ireland, The Irish Landmark Trust and others, to care for historic structures and buildings in public ownership and improve recreational infrastructure and public access to these heritage assets. Funds will be determined on a case by case basis.

Streams 1 and 2, Historic Shopfronts sub stream and Partnership Projects

In respect of projects categorised under Streams 1 and 2, the Historic Shopfronts sub stream and any Partnership Projects designated by the Minister the categories of structures/properties eligible for funding under this scheme are:

• Protected Structures
• Proposed Protected Structures
• Structures/properties in Architectural Conservation Areas

or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances apply.

Eligible projects will be as follows:

1. a) projects proposed by local authorities on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of historic structures
2. b) projects proposed by a Local Authority for works to historic structures in public ownership, where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated
3. c) projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit proposed directly to the Department by a State-funded organisation working in the heritage area.

Vernacular Structures Stream

Vernacular structures are the buildings and other built features of what can be termed the ‘informal’ or vernacular landscape. Vernacular builders worked within traditional systems using techniques passed down within the family and local community. Thus, the vernacular is a significant part of our intangible cultural heritage. In respect of the Vernacular Structures Stream applications can be accepted from the following :

1. a) Owners of vernacular structures that are not listed in the Record of Protected Structures
2. b) Owners of vernacular structures within an Architectural Conservation Area, but not otherwise subject to statutory protection.

Eligible projects will be as follows:

1. a) Projects proposed by local authorities on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of vernacular structures
2. b) Projects proposed by local authorities for works to vernacular structures in public ownership where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated

Note: Only one application will be considered per vernacular structure or applicant. Applicants cannot also avail of funding under the main Historic Structures Fund 2022 or under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022.

How to apply

The HSF 2022 Circular outlines full details of the terms and conditions of the various funding streams. The Circular and application form are available to download at www.monaghan.ie

Hard copies are also available at the Planning Offices Reception.

Completed applications using Form A and accompanied by a comprehensive method statement must be submitted to Angela Gallagher, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan Town, H18 X982 or emailed to planning@monaghancoco.ie  on or before the 31^st January 2022.

Signed: Adrian Hughes
Acting Director of Service
Monaghan County Council
Date: 11^th November 2021

Over November and December, Monaghan County Museum, in collaboration with Pegasus Consulting and the producers of RTE Radio’s History Show, will present a series of lectures on the changing Ireland of one hundred years ago.
The talks will be available online through the Museum’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MonaghanCountyMuseum

Draft Carrickmacross Town Parking Control Scheme 2021

Draft Castleblayney Town Parking Control Scheme 2021

In accordance with Section 131A of and Schedule 14A to the Local Government Act 2001 (as inserted by section 21(3) and 21(4) of the Local Government Reform Act 2014), and as provided for under Section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District intends to adopt the above Parking Control Schemes.

Click here to read the full article: https://monaghan.ie/carrickmacross-castleblayney-municipal-district-public-consultation-proposed-parking-control-schemes/

YOU CAN’T VOTE IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED

Check the Draft Register online at www.checktheregister.ie  or at any of the following offices to see if you are registered:

Monaghan County Council, County Offices, The Glen, Monaghan             

                                Monaghan Municipal District

                                Ballybay-Clones Municipal District

                                Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District

                                At any Post Office or Garda Station

             

If your name is not included then you should fill up an Application Form (RFA1) before 25^th November, 2021.  RFA1 Forms can be picked up at the above locations or can be downloaded from https://monaghan.ie/register-of-electors/ or www.checktheregister.ie

Cathal Flynn
A/Director of Services
Corporate Services
4^th November 2021

 

Monaghan County Council/Comhairle Chontae Mhuineachain

NOTICE OF DRAFT BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the draft Local Authority budget of Monaghan County Council for the financial year ending on the 31^st December 2022 has been prepared and will be considered by the Council at the Budget Meeting to be held in the Hillgrove Hotel, Old Armagh Road, Latlorcan, Monaghan on Monday 15th November 2021 at 10.00 a.m.  A copy of the said Draft Budget has been deposited in the offices of the Council at The Glen, Monaghan and may be inspected free of charge by any member of the public at any time while the offices are open for the transaction of official business. A copy of the draft budget will be supplied to every person making application at the price of €5.00.

John Murray
Head of Finance
4^th November 2021

__________________________________________________________

DRAFT REGISTER OF ELECTORS 2022/2023

YOU CAN’T VOTE IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED

Check the Draft Register online at www.checktheregister.ie  or at any of the following offices to see if you are registered:

Monaghan County Council, County Offices, The Glen, Monaghan             

                                Monaghan Municipal District

                                Ballybay-Clones Municipal District

                                Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District

                                At any Post Office or Garda Station

              

If your name is not included then you should fill up an Application Form (RFA1) before 25^th November, 2021.  RFA1 Forms can be picked up at the above locations or can be downloaded from https://monaghan.ie/register-of-electors/ or www.checktheregister.ie

Cathal Flynn
A/Director of Services
Corporate Services
4^th November 2021

_______________________________________________________________

Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District

Public Consultation – Proposed Parking Control Schemes

Draft Carrickmacross Town Parking Control Scheme 2021

Draft Castleblayney Town Parking Control Scheme 2021

In accordance with Section 131A of and Schedule 14A to the Local Government Act 2001 (as inserted by section 21(3) and 21(4) of the Local Government Reform Act 2014), and as provided for under Section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District intends to adopt the above Parking Control Schemes.

The draft Parking Control Schemes, together with associated mapping and a briefing note, shall be available for review on Monaghan County Council’s website, www.monaghan.ie, for a four- week period, commencing Friday the 5^th of November 2021. You may submit your views/comments by emailing them to carrickmacross@monaghancoco.ie on or before 5pm on Friday the 3^rd of December 2021.

 

The draft Parking Control Schemes, together with associated mapping, shall also be available for inspection at Carrickmacross Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, during normal office hours (9.30am- 4.30pm), from Friday the 5^th of November 2021. Please contact the above-mentioned offices, via telephone on 042 9661236 or alternatively via Email at carrickmacross@monaghancoco.ie, to  arrange an appointment to view the draft Schemes. Hardcopy submissions with respect to the draft Schemes may be made in writing to:

Mr.DamienThornton,

A/Municipal District Co-Ordinator, Carrickmacross Civic Offices, Riverside Road,

Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan A81 RY22

no later than 5pm on Friday the 3^rd of December 2021.

_________________________________________________________________

Temporary Closing of Roads

Monaghan County Council gives notice to extend the following road closure in the Municipal District of Carrickmacross/Castleblayney in County Monaghan:

Date:     04^th October until 19^th November 2021  

To Facilitate:      Resurfacing works

Roads Closed:    LT-86001-0 in the Townland of Kilmurray

Diversion Route: Traffic travelling South to continue on R179 and turn left onto L8600. Traffic travelling North to continue on L8600 and turn right onto R179

This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993 (Section 75)

Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
4^th November 2021

_____________________________________________________________

Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin

Monaghan County Council

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following post.

A Panel will be formed from which permanent or temporary vacancies arising during the lifetime of the panel may be filled:-

Assistant Engineer

(€40,022 – €62,738)

Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale in accordance with

Circular E.L. 02/2011

Application forms and further details are available to download from www.monaghan.ie

or can be obtained on request from the:

Human Resource Management Section,

Monaghan County Council,

County Offices,

The Glen,

Monaghan,

Telephone No: 047 73702/73703

E-mail: recruitment@monaghancoco.ie

Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on their application form and it is expected that given the qualifications and experience of prospective applicants that the shortlisting requirements will be significantly higher than the minimum standard set out.

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is

4.00pm on Friday, 26^th November 2021

Applications must be submitted via the recruitment submission link available on our website www.monaghan.ie under current vacancies.

Monaghan County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer

 

Canvassing will automatically disqualify

Monaghan County Council

Comhairle Contae Mhuineachain

INVITATION TO TENDER

Tenders are invited from competent Building Contractors for the following:-

Proposed Development consists of demolishing existing partially built duplex units (4 no. units) and construct housing development containing 7 no. fully serviced units consisting of 3 no. 2 bedroom two storey townhouses, 4 no. 2 bedroom semidetached bungalows, connections to existing foul main, watermain and surface water discharge, landscaped open space and all ancillary and associated works at Lands to the rear of 11 to 17 Main Street, Cornamucklaglass, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan.

Tender documents and specifications for the above project are only available for download from eTenders Public Procurement Website www.etenders.gov.ie

For further information please visit www.etenders.gov.ie

Documents downloaded from eTenders website are free of charge. To submit a tender firms and persons applying must have an email address and must register as a Supplier on www.etenders.gov.ie

It will be a condition of the award of contract that the participants must produce:

(a) Tax Clearance Certificate

(b) Evidence of compliance with Registered Employment Agreements or equivalent

in accordance with the Government Guidelines on Public Procurement

(c) Evidence of Public Liability Insurance €6,500,000 and Employer’s

Liability Insurance €13,000,000 and where applicable Professional Indemnity Insurance €1,300,000

(e) The Contractor will be required to comply with the Safety, Health & Welfare at

Work (Construction) Regulations

 

AND all documents referred to in the tender notice on www.etenders.gov.ie

Tender documents are to be submitted electronically via the etenders website and all enquiries should be submitted via the etenders website

The latest date for receipt of tenders is 16.00 on Thursday the 2nd of December 2021

All tenders will be assessed as per criteria detailed on etenders.

The lowest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted

John Murray
Head of Finance & Housing
4^th November 2021

• 60% of Ireland’s raw sewage discharges now eliminated
• 93% of treatment plants compliant with Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive
• 10 wastewater treatment plants built or upgraded in 2020
• 14 new wastewater treatment plants starting construction in 2021 and eight in 2022

Irish Water’s consistent progress in upgrading wastewater treatment and eliminating the discharge of raw sewage to Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal areas is benefiting communities and enhancing the environment throughout Ireland.

In Monaghan, investment in wastewater infrastructure in Carrickmacross will lead to improvements in water quality, while also supporting housing and economic development in the area.

Irish Water is also undertaking essential upgrade works to the wastewater treatment plant in Clones. These improvement works include upgrades to the inlet works, storm water management and sludge treatment and storage facilities.

The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report, published today, shows the progress being made, while also highlighting the need for continued investment in our essential wastewater services.

In the last six years, Irish Water has prioritised areas where it can support housing and development and have the greatest environmental impact, particularly in locations where raw sewage was discharging into our rivers and seas.

Over 60% of raw sewage discharges have been eliminated since 2015 – and replaced with treatment capacity for the equivalent of 120,000 people. As a result of the targeted investment in wastewater infrastructure, communities around Ireland are now reaping the rewards of a cleaner environment, safer bathing waters and greater opportunities for the development of new homes, businesses and tourism.

To date new wastewater treatment plants have been built in 17 locations where raw sewage had been discharged into the sea for decades. By the end of this year construction will have started in an additional 14 locations, with a further eight projects due to get underway next year and the remaining nine from 2023 onwards. This means the majority of raw sewage discharges are on track to be removed by the end of 2025.

In addition to ending the discharge of raw sewage by building infrastructure where none previously existed, Irish Water has also been continuing with its programme of upgrading existing wastewater treatment plants and networks in towns and villages throughout Ireland. In 2020, a total of 10 wastewater treatment plants were built or upgraded (two built and nine upgraded), directly benefiting the equivalent of over 20,000 people in these communities while also protecting our wider environment. The number of plants on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Priority Action List is also continuing to fall, currently down to 97 from 148 in 2017.

In Monaghan, an upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant in Carrickmacross will improve water quality in receiving waters and support the development of new housing and business in Carrickmacross.

Anthony Skeffington, who is Irish Water’s North West Regional Operation’s Manager, commented: “Having a modern, sustainable and functional wastewater network is critical in order to protect our environment and to support housing and economic growth in the years ahead. Irish Water is working closely with the EPA and our other partners, including local authorities, to ensure this can be delivered in the most efficient and sustainable way through the use of cutting edge technologies, science and engineering expertise, and meaningful engagement with local communities around Ireland.

“There is no doubt that challenges remain. Much of the infrastructure for safely collecting and treating wastewater around the country has suffered from decades of under-investment. But Irish Water has a plan in place to address these deficiencies and we are making real progress. Continued investment will be required in the coming years to build a modern, fit-for-purpose wastewater network but we are confident that we are on track to achieving that aim.”

One of the key priorities in Irish Water is compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Due to the work undertaken to address long-standing issues with many wastewater treatment plants, the compliance rates have increased from 71% in 2014 to 93% in 2020.