Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces the 124 towns and villages to benefit from new €7 million fund to enhance streetscapes & shopfronts

• Projects to include upgrades to building facades, artwork, murals, lighting, street furniture and canopies
• Investment designed to make rural towns and villages more colourful, vibrant and attractive places
• Minister Humphreys encourages businesses and property owners to contact their local authority to apply

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the 124 towns and villages that will benefit from a new €7 million fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts.

The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future and is designed to make our rural towns and villages more attractive places to live, work and visit.

Under the scheme, property owners will be provided with funding to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture.

The 124 towns and villages announced by the Minister today were selected by each local authority, which will now begin the process of advertising locally for applications.

The types of projects to be supported include:

• strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours
• commissioning of murals in towns and villages
• upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts
• provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes
• illumination and lighting of architectural features
• installation of canopies and street furniture
• decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs / wires

Minister Humphreys today encouraged business and property owners in any of the 124 towns and villages selected to contact their local authority for information on how to apply.

Announcing the 124 towns and villages today, Minister Humphreys said:

“This unique initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike.

“Whether it’s painting buildings in vibrant colours, upgrading shop fronts or installing canopies or street furniture – this fund will provide a welcome boost to rural communities the length and breadth of the country.

“We all know that even the most modest of improvements to our buildings and streetscapes can make a huge difference.

“And so over the coming weeks, local authorities will work closely with businesses and property owners to give our towns and villages the facelift they deserve.”

The Minister added:

“When I launched the Government’s new rural policy, ‘Our Rural Future’, I said I wanted to reimagine and revitalise rural communities.

“This initiative is a key part of realising that goal. I am really looking forward to seeing the sort of proposals that are put forward over the coming weeks.

“If you are a business or property owner in any of the 124 towns and villages selected, I encourage you to contact your local authority for details on how to apply.

“I have no doubt the projects funded this initiative will make a huge difference to our rural towns and villages and, most importantly, the families who live there.”

The list of towns is included available on gov.ie.  Any enquiries regarding this initiative can be sent to communitygrants@monaghancoco.ie

Guidelines For Expressions Of Interest (PDF)

Make a Submission

Can you identify everywhere Sting has been? 12 Heritage Sites in total:

Please send your answers to smcquaid@monaghancoco.ie

Good luck and enjoy!!

Clean Coasts and Irish Water urge the people of Monaghan to ‘Think Before You Flush’ in a bid to safeguard our environment 

(Issued Thursday, August 19, 2021) Irish Water and Clean Coasts are urging the people of Monaghan to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush’ as a recent survey has revealed that almost a million adults living in Ireland regularly flush wet wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet. With sea swimming and use of our beaches becoming more popular, it’s a timely reminder that our flushing behaviour has a direct impact on the environment and that making small changes can help protect Ireland’s sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded bays.

Speaking about the survey results Kevin Smith, Irish Water said, “In 2018, our research informed us that 36% of people living in Ireland were regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Working in partnership with Clean Coasts on the Think Before You Flush campaign we have made some progress as 24% of respondents in this year’s survey admit to regularly doing so. Whilst this improvement is welcome, 24% represents almost a million people. The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are stark, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month. 

“Removing blockages can be a nasty job, sometimes workers have to enter sewers to remove blockages with shovels. Some blockages can be removed with jetting and suction equipment. I’ve seen pump blockages that workers have had to literally clear by hand in order to get the pumps up and running again in a race against time to avoid sewage overflows to the environment. 

“Our message is simple, only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wet wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin even if they are labelled as flushable. This will reduce the number of sewer blockages, the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and the risk of pollution in the environment harming wildlife such as fish and birds and associated habitats. We have all seen the images of sea birds being impacted by marine litter and we all have a role to play in protecting our beaches, seas and marine life. A small change in our flushing behaviour can make a big difference – put wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items in the bin and not down the toilet”

Speaking about the size and scale of the challenge, Kevin added, “Monaghan wastewater treatment plant is the largest treatment plant in the county. An average of 95 tonnes of wipes and other items are removed from the screens at the plant every year, that is the equivalent of 8 double decker buses of foul material that needs to be disposed of. In addition to that we also clear hundreds of blockages across the wastewater network in County Monaghan every year.” 

Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts said, “The Think Before You Flush campaign, through education and awareness, aims to prevent items like wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items washing up on Ireland’s spectacular beaches. While we have seen a positive improvement in the nations flushing behaviour since 2018, one in four adults still admit to regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet. By making small changes in our flushing behaviour, we can prevent the harm caused by sewage related litter in our marine environment. We are asking everybody to only flush the 3 P’s – pee, poo and paper, and put everything else in the bin.”

To find out more about the Think Before You Flush campaign please visit http://thinkbeforeyouflush.org  and for  tips and information on how to avoid blocked drains please visit www.water.ie/thinkbeforeyouflush

Scéim Tacaíochta Ealaíontóir/ Artist Support Scheme 2021

• Tallann ag teacht chun cinn & (2) Ealaíontóir bunaithe

• Emerging Talent & (2) Established Artist

Iomlán an Chiste atá ar Fáil /Total Available Fund €10,000

“Has your creative work as an Artist, been affected by the current pandemic?

  If so, Monaghan County Council would like to assist you with this Scheme”

Open 19^th August: Scéim Oscailte 19 Lúnasa

Sprioc Lá 15 Meán Fómhair 4 i.n. / Closing date 15^th September 4pm

Iarratas a dhéanamh faoin scéim seo, íoslódáil an fhoirm iarratais

To apply for funding under this scheme download the application form

www.monaghan.ie/arts/funding

which includes Criteria and Guidelines

or contact artsoffice@monaghancoco.ie

call 047-38162

John Murray
Head of Finance, Housing and Culture
Monaghan County Council
19^th August 2021

____________________________________________________________________

2021

Scéim Ealaíon Compháirtíochta/ Arts Partnership Grant Scheme

“Direct grant assistance to venues, arts organisations and festivals deemed to be of strategic importance to the Arts within the County”.  

Sprioc Lá – 15 Meán Fómhair / Closing date – 15^th September

Iomlán an chiste atá ar fail ná /Total Funds available under this scheme is €70K

This funding Scheme is open to Arts Organisations, Arts Groups, Arts Festivals and Arts Projects who deliver a sustainable Arts Programme in County Monaghan

Is féidir Foirmeacha Iarratais faoin Scéim seo a íoslódáil ó

Application Forms for this Scheme can be downloaded from

www.monaghan.ie/arts/funding

or requested by contacting   artsoffice@monaghancoco.ie

or 047-38162 at The Market House, Monaghan Town

John Murray
Head of Finance, Housing and Culture
Monaghan County Council
19^th August 2021

____________________________________________________________________

Town & Village Renewal Scheme

Streetscape Enhancement Measure

Call for Expressions of Interest from Premises Owners/ Occupiers

Our Rural Future is the Government’s five year strategy to revitalise rural Ireland and includes a commitment to upgrade and enhance shopfronts and street facades in our rural towns and villages. €220,000 is being made available to Co. Monaghan premises owners to upgrade the appearance of the front of their properties in the towns of Monaghan, Carrickmacross and Ballybay.

Eligible activities include painting (including murals), signage replacement, shopfront improvement, lighting, and canopies.

The scheme is being managed through Monaghan County Council, who will design a scheme for each town based on the expressions of interest received from premises owners.

Expressions of Interest are now being invited from premises owners who are interested in having a property included in a scheme in one or more of the three towns. Owners may come forward individually, or as a group seeking to improve either a single premises or a number of adjacent premises. Expressions of interest will also be accepted from groups such as Tidy Towns, Chambers of Commerce for works such as murals, to improve the appearance of derelict buildings etc.

Commercial, residential and unoccupied buildings are all eligible for inclusion in the scheme.

Grant funding will be provided at the following rates:

• 70% for Individual premises
• 80% for joint applications (groups of 3 or more adjacent premises)
• 100% for paint only projects – Where painting is undertaken by direct labour by applicant

 

If you have a property you would like included in a proposed shopfront or streetscape scheme in Monaghan town, Carrickmacross or Ballybay, please visit www.monaghan.ie to find out more and submit your expression of interest. Queries can be directed to communitydepartment@monaghancoco.ie

Closing date for submission of expressions of interest is Tuesday 7^th September 2021.

Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.

Only online submissions can be considered.

____________________________________________________________________

Temporary Closing of Roads

 

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

Date & Time:      Monday 6^th September 2021 to Friday 24^th September 2021

To Facilitate:      Bridge Rehabilitation Works.

Roads Closed:

R-186-2 in the Townlands of Derrykinnigh Beg/Golan Co. Monaghan

Diversion Route:

Traffic wishing to travel on the R-186 in the direction of Tydavnet will be diverted by turning left onto the L-1135,  then continuing on the L-1134 and L-1131, then turning right on to the L-1132, then continuing on the L-1133, then turning left on to the R-186.

Traffic wishing to travel on the R-186 in the direction of Clogher will be diverted by turning right on to the L-1133, then continuing on the L-1132, then turning left on to the L-1131, then continuing on the L-1134 and L-1135, then turning right on to the R-186

All Detours will be signposted to direct the Traffic. (R-186-2 Local Access only, no through at Bridge Works).

Any interested person may lodge an objection to closing the above-mentioned road with the Head of Roads, Monaghan County Council, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan, not later than Tuesday 24^th August 2021.  Any objections must be clearly marked on the envelope “Objection To Road Closure”.

If you have any queries concerning this Road Closure, please contact the Roads Section, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan at 047 30597 or email roads@monaghancoco.ie

 

Kevin West
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
19^th August 2021

____________________________________________________________________

Temporary Closing of Roads

 

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

Date & Time:     Monday 6^th September 2021 to Friday 24^th September 2021

To Facilitate:      Bridge Rehabilitation Works.

Roads Closed: –

L-5051-0 (R186/L5051 Junction) in the Townlands of Derrykinnigh Beg/Golan Co. Monaghan

 

Diversion Route:

Traffic travelling on the R-186 from the direction of Clogher wishing to travel on the L-5051 will be diverted by turning left onto the L-1135,  then continuing on the L-1134 and L-1131, then turning right on to the L-1132, then continuing on the L-1133, then turning left on to the R-186, then turning right on to the L-1000, then turning right on to the L-5050, then continuing on to the L-5051.

Traffic wishing to travel from the L-5051 in the direction of Clogher on the R-186 will be diverted via the L-5051/L-5050, then turning left on to the L-1000, then turning left on the R-186, then turning right on to the L-1133, then continuing on the L-1132, then turning left on to the L-1131, then continuing on the L-1134 and L-1135, then turning right on to the R-186

All Detours will be signposted to direct the Traffic. (R-186-2 Local Access only, no through at Bridge Works).

Any interested person may lodge an objection to closing the above-mentioned road with the Head of Roads, Monaghan County Council, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan, not later than Tuesday 24^th August 2021.  Any objections must be clearly marked on the envelope “Objection To Road Closure”.

If you have any queries concerning this Road Closure, please contact the Roads Section, Mtek 2, Knockaconny, Monaghan at 047 30597 or email roads@monaghancoco.ie

Kevin West
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
19^th August 2021

18^th August, 2021: A free ‘walk-in and online self-referral’ COVID-19 testing site at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Market Road, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan, H18 VK77 will open for 2 days on Friday, August 20^th and Saturday, August 21^st, as COVID-19 cases remain high in Monaghan.

Opening hours are:

Friday, August 20^th              10am – 6pm

Saturday, August 21^st         10am – 6pm

People have the option to book an appointment online for a free COVID-19 test on the HSE online self-referral portal: https://covid19test.healthservice.ie/hse-self-referral/, or attend the pop-up test centre in Monaghan Town without an appointment and wait for a COVID-19 test. The online booking facility for the pop-up COVID-19 test centre in Monaghan Town helps to manage the numbers of people attending for a test at any time and minimises the length of time people may have to wait for their test.

The free ‘pop-up’ COVID-19 test centre in Monaghan Town is open to members of the public of any age. Members of the public will need to bring a photo ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results.

The Department of Public Health, HSE North East have seen the number of COVID-19 cases in Monaghan remain high in recent weeks and in particular in the Monaghan and Ballybay-Clones Local Electoral Areas (LEAs).

The latest figures, covering the 14 day incidence during 27/07/2021 to 09/08/2021, reported the electoral areas in Monaghan LEA with an incidence rate of 868 cases per 100,000 of population and Ballybay-Clones with an incidence rate of 712.8 cases per 100,000 of population. This compares to a national incidence rate of 422.5/100,000 of population.

Dr Keith Ian Quintyne, Director of Public Health (Acting) with the Department of Public Health, HSE North East, said: “Two of our LEAs – Monaghan and Ballybay-Clones are amongst the top 15 LEAs (out of 166 LEAs) for 14 day incidence per 100,000 population. The incidence rate in the Monaghan LEA is double the national rate. With the current high incidence rates in the Monaghan area, social gatherings outside Public Health guidelines are having significant knock-on effects in the community, including in workplaces.”

“We are hopeful we will break the chains of transmission in the community with the help of the public availing of the walk-in and self-referral test centre in Monaghan Town and adhering to Public Health guidelines.”

“I would like to appeal to everyone, even if you are vaccinated to continue following Public Health guidelines. Please don’t drop your guard, people in all age groups are at risk of becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19.  If you have any cold or flu symptoms, please access a free COVID-19 test and self-isolate.”

Dr Quintyne added: “I would appeal to the age cohorts who can register on the vaccination portal – please take up the opportunity of getting vaccinated.”

Gerry Clerkin, Acting Chief Officer Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo) said: “The rollout of vaccines is key in protecting people against COVID-19. Testing and, in particular, walk-in test centres remains an important part of the HSE’s response to COVID-19. I would urge people in the Ballybay-Clones and Monaghan electoral areas in particular to avail of the pop up testing facility at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in Monaghan Town. Availing of COVID-19 testing, even when you don’t have symptoms, helps us to stop further spread of COVID-19 and protects our communities. Testing at the pop-up centre at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in Monaghan Town is safe, fast and accessible and, more importantly, you can protect those around you by taking the necessary public health measures if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result.”

Deputy Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Paul Clifford said: “COVID-19 is still with us, and the recent spike in case numbers in Monaghan must act as a warning. We all have to take personal responsibility. We must still remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health guidelines. COVID-19 testing is continuing in Monaghan Town this weekend, with no appointment needed for those attending the pop-up test centre at the St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in Monaghan Town. I would encourage anyone who feels that they may need a test to avail of this free service.”

Up to date information on the location and opening days and times of COVID-19 walk-in test centres is available at COVID-19 walk-in test centres: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/covid-19-walk-in-test-centres.html

National Heritage Week 2021

Sting is back for part 2 of his Heritage trip around County Monaghan

Please click the link below for “A Bees Eye View of Monaghan”

Can you identify all the places Sting visits

When you have watched all 3 videos please email your answers to smcquaid@monaghancoco.ie

Good luck and enjoy!!

Sting the Bee has been out and about in Monaghan and has created a special programme for all you boys and girls to celebrate Heritage Week 2021

Can you guess where Sting is, listen carefully for all the clues??

You must watch all 3 videos throughout the week to find all the places.

Please email your answers to smcquaid@monaghancoco.ie to be in with a chance of winning a prize

Closing date is Sunday 22nd August at 5pm.

Good luck everyone!!

 

For National Heritage Week, Monaghan County Council Heritage Office has recorded a series of podcasts, called Heritage at the Heart.  Releasing every few days, the five episodes cover Holy Wells, hedgerows, placenames, historic headstones and market houses.  You will hear local heritage experts and custodians visit these places with the Heritage Officer, in these lively and informative treats for your ears.  Funded by the Heritage Council and Monaghan. Each podcast is about 15 minutes in length and accompanied with specially commissioned music by distinguished Monaghan composer Michael Gallen.  The series is available on spotify, apple podcasts, google podcasts and soundcloud as well as links from the Monaghan County Council website.

Latest episode:

soundcloud.com/user-863246840-166004139/the-puzzle-of-placenames

The Puzzle of Placenames

Shirley Clerkin is joined in Clones by heritage enthusiasts James Sheerin and Larry McDermott to tease out some placename meanings from Clones and elsewhere, and the heritage of the land that can be gleaned by diving into an exploration of what places are called.

Music – Landmark and The Seed in March by Michael Gallen

Recording and editing – Noel Murphy.

Funding – Podcast is funded by the Heritage Council and Monaghan County Council.

The Monaghan Wetland Network is launching during National Heritage Week, to showcase the importance of wetlands for nature, climate and people.

The purpose of the Monaghan Wetland Network is to safeguard our wetlands through conservation and nature enhancement measures, promoting their biodiversity, cultural, health benefits and values, sharing our experiences and building capacity to protect our wonderful wetland heritage.

Funding is also being made available through Monaghan County Council, via the Monaghan Wetland Action Plan Fund to carry out actions at a Wetland Network sites. The aim of the fund is to incentivise community groups and individual landowners to take positive actions for wetland sites as part of the Monaghan Wetlands Action Plan.  The fund is modest, but it is planned to grow this in subsequent years as the network develops.

The Heritage Office of Monaghan County Council invites people, community groups and landowners to join the County Monaghan Wetland Network.  The Heritage Officer Shirley Clerkin said “We are in a climate and biodiversity crisis, and we need our wetlands as part of a resilient nature to help buffer some of the negative impacts of these changes.  We also need to build understanding and skills about nature and wetlands in the county.  Our recent attitudes study found that 87% of respondents were interested in conserving wetlands.  This network is a response to this need.”

This network is part of the County Monaghan Wetland Action Plan, which is developing a plan to protect, enhance, conserve, and advocate for the biodiversity and heritage of Monaghan’s wetlands.  Monaghan County Council Heritage Office is working alongside Wetlands Surveys Ireland to develop the plan, and a web app to make it easy to identify wetland sites.

How to join the County Monaghan Wetland Network? … you can find out more  and download a booklet on the scheme on the County Monaghan Heritage website by following this link: bit.ly/MonaghanWetlandNetwork

This project is being funded by Monaghan County Council Heritage Office (monaghan.ie/heritage) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Monaghan Wetlands Booklet (PDF)

Friday, 13 August 2021 – Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Irish Water and Monaghan County Council can confirm that the Do Not Consume Notice impacting customers supplied by Newbliss Public Water Supply has been lifted with immediate effect and the water is safe to drink. The notice was issued to protect over 400 customers following elevated levels of manganese and iron in the water supply.

Peter Gallagher, Regional Operations Lead with Irish Water said: “Following the completion of remedial measures and the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results, the Do Not Consume Notice which has been in place is now lifted with immediate effect. We, along with our colleagues in Monaghan County Council liaised with the Health Service Executive throughout this process and public health was our priority throughout. We are pleased to be in a position to lift the notice today.”

All consumers on the Newbliss Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

Irish Water and the Local Authority/Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

If customers have any queries regarding this Do Not Consume Notice and the lifting of it they should contact Irish Water directly on our customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

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. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.