Public invited to participate in new survey examining driving behaviors and attitudes to Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The FASTER Project, bringing increased access to high-speed Electric Vehicle charging points, is inviting the public to tell us about their travel patterns and needs, by completing a short survey, available at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FasterEVs

Recent weeks and months have seen significant media and public interest in the growing numbers of Battery Electric and Hybrid vehicles on roads across Monaghan. EV sales have seen record increases in the first six months of 2021 and as governments across the globe are uniting in their efforts to tackle carbon emissions and climate change, future trends predict this growth will continue as sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles are phased out.

A recently announced €6.4 million EU INTERREG VA funded project led by, East Border Region Ltd with partners including South West College, University of Ulster, Sligo IT and Dundalk IT, will help reduce the impact of fossil fuels and transport emissions through the delivery of 73 new publicly accessible rapid charging points across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Border Region to support drivers as they make the switch to electric vehicles. Match-funding for the project has also been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department for Transport in Ireland, as well as HITRANS and the University of Strathclyde.

The FASTER [Facilitating a Sustainable Transition to EVs in the Region] Project is currently working with Monaghan County Council to identify suitable locations in the county for this vital infrastructure which will be installed on a rolling basis over the next 6 to 18 months.

Underlining the importance of the project Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which manages the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, said:

“As the effects of climate change increase dramatically we need to invest seriously in measures which will cut carbon emissions. Electric vehicles represent a more eco-friendly form of transport which will have a reduced impact on the environment.

“This new EU-funded project has been specifically designed to remove some of the obstacles that have previously discouraged people from choosing electric vehicles. It also represents one of the core objectives of the INTERREG VA Programme, which supports sustainable transport, on a cross-border basis.”

East Border Region Chairman Cllr Kyle Savage added “EBR are delighted to be Lead Partner on this innovative and genuinely cross-border project which will see essential Electric Vehicle infrastructure installed across the three jurisdictions. Electric Vehicles are an essential strategy in the immediate term to reduce local emissions and help improve local air quality.”

While estimates suggest that up to 80% of charging will take place at the homes of EV owners, the number of chargers currently available for public use is widely regarded as one of the key obstacles for those drivers considering the move to a more sustainable vehicle. The FASTER Project will deliver effective solutions to help overcome this barrier and will educate drivers as to their electric vehicle options and the benefits they can bring.

The FASTER Project partnership in collaboration with Transport Research Partnership is now calling on the public to participate in a short survey which will examine the current travel needs and behaviors of vehicle users across Monaghan. This survey will identify preferences on vehicle ownership, fuel choice, the types of journeys drivers are making daily and will explore the factors & influences which are leading the shift towards electric vehicles.

The public survey is available online until Tuesday 20th July and can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FasterEVs

‘Outdoor Seating & Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business’ Scheme Traditional Pubs Now Eligible to Apply

The ‘Outdoor Seating & Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business’ scheme is being delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities across the country. The Scheme will
provide funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor seating capacity for the summer of 2021. This scheme will financially assist and support independent tourism and hospitality business owners to create outdoor dining experiences in a regulated and accessible manner. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses.

The scheme is open to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, public houses or other tourism and hospitality business establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises. As of 14th June 2021, the scheme has been extended to include traditional pubs. Eligibility is dependent on commercial rates due in respect of premises having been paid for the period up to 31st December 2019 or a payment plan being in place with the Local Authority.

The scheme will provide for up to 75% of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased/installed with a maximum allowable contribution of up to €4,000 per applicant. Expenditure incurred on upgrades to outdoor dining spaces including but not limited to: tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands, wooden platforms, etc. are considered eligible for the scheme. Tables, chairs, or other furniture shall be of robust and stable construction to prevent movement in adverse weather conditions and be agreed with Monaghan County Council. Monaghan County Council has the right to use its discretion in regard to its process and the development of appropriate terms and conditions that are appropriate for our respective streetscapes, businesses etc.

All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative requirements and other compliance requirements.
Expenditure must be incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021 and payment will be made by Local Authorities to approved applicants on submission of receipts and photography of furniture in situ.

The scheme is open for applications until 30th September 2021. Further information on the ‘Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Scheme’ can be found at https://monaghan.ie/outdoor-seating-accessories-for-tourismhospitality-business-scheme/

Or by emailing: Dympna Condra, Tourism Officer, dcondra@monaghancoco.ie

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Public Alert: Mains Flushing to Lough Egish Regional Water Supply Scheme Irish Water and Monaghan County Council

Monaghan County Council on behalf of Irish Water wish to advise customers that Water Mains Flushing will take place from Monday 5th July 2021 to Friday 30th July 2021, on the Lough Egish Regional Water Supply Scheme.

The following areas will be affected: Carrickatee, Carrickavelty, Tossy, Loughmore, Lough Egish, Reduff, Tullynenegish, Tullynamalra, Cooltrimegish, Knocktornagh, Brackley, Tullynahenira, Lisduff, Greagh, Drumhowan, Carrickinaire, Carnaveagh, Aughnamullan, Shantonagh, Corwillian, Corkeenan, Corfad, Rockcorry, Anny, Derryvalley, Kinnagin, Annaglare, Bree, Castleblayney Town Centre Muckno Street, Dublin road Castleblayney, Monaghan road Castleblayney, Cremartin, Annyalla, Latton Clontibret Village, Rackwallace, Scotch Corner, Clerran, Castleshane and surrounding environs.
Mains flushing is undertaken to improve the quality of water supplied to our customers. Customers in areas where flushing will take place will notice a temporary discolouration to their water but this discolouration will clear when allowed to run for a few minutes.

Customers may also experience reduced pressure and interruptions to their supply for the duration of these works. We regret any inconvenience caused.

Signed: Peadar Mc Guinness, Head of Water Services
1st July 2021

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Ulster Canal Greenway Phase 3 – Smithborough to Clones

Following the completion of feasibility and constraints studies and as part of the ongoing development of the Ulster Canal Greenway, Monaghan County Council have engaged consultants Clandillon Civil Consulting to carry out the Route Selection and Environmental Evaluations for Phase 3 of the Ulster Canal Greenway between Smithborough and Clones. The environmental studies, which will consist initially of an ecological walkover survey of the study area, will commence imminently. These surveys will be non-intrusive and will be carried out by, Monaghan based ecological consultants, Flynn Furney.

All members of the ecologist’s team will carry identification and be fully insured to carry out their work. Public consultation in respect of the preferred route corridor will be progressed over the course of the summer at a date and location to be confirmed.
Please contact 047 51018 for any further information.

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Temporary Closing of Roads

Monaghan County Council gives notice to close the following road in the Municipal District of Ballybay-Clones in County Monaghan:

Date: Monday 12th July 2021 to Monday 09th August 2021
To Facilitate: Bridge Rehabilitation Works.
Roads Closed: L-22632-0 in the townland of Killynenagh Co. Monaghan
Diversion Route: Traffic wishing to travel on the L-22632 from the townland of Magherashaghry in the direction of the townland of Coppanagh/Lisarney will be diverted onto the L-2262, then turning left on to the L-22621, then turning left on to the L-6280, then continuing on the L-6008. Traffic wishing to travel on the L-22632 from the townland of Coppanagh/Lisarney to the townland of Magherashaghry will be diverted by remaining on the L-6008, then continuing on the L-6280, then turning right on to the L-22621, then turning right on to the L-2262.

All Detours will be signposted to direct the traffic. (L-22632 Local Access only, no through road at the Bridge Works). This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993(Section 75)

Signed: Gareth McMahon, A/Senior Engineer. Roads and Transportation. 1st July 2021

Monaghan County Council recently passed a motion to provide Communication Boards to be installed in playgrounds/parks throughout County Monaghan. A communication board is a device that displays photos, symbols, or illustrations to help people with limited language skills express themselves. The user can gesture, point to, or blink at images to communicate with others.  To progress this initiative  we are rolling out a consultation to get some feedback from parents, children  and service providers on how they would like to see this project delivered.

Monaghan County Council Communication Board Consultation PDF

 

 

 

National Recreation Week 3rd – 10th July. Providing kits full of giant versions of popular games, so communities, youth clubs etc can run fun days in an outside environment, per covid rules.

The kits can be borrowed free of charge from Monaghan libraries. Booking is essential.

Let’s Play the Old Way, is aimed at young children and involves playing old games. Have a look at the old games in this play booklet by Monaghan Sports Partnership – starting on page 10’ Link: www.monaghansports.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lets-Play-Monaghan-Games-Activity-Booklet.pdf

Issued 28 June 2021 – As the Irish staycation season is set to enter its busiest period over July and August, Irish Water in partnership with Monaghan County Council is urging the public to conserve water to ensure a consistent supply for all during this busy time.

Irish Water is predicting an increase in domestic and commercial demand for water over the coming months and customers are asked to take some simple measures to conserve water in their homes, their businesses and on their farms.

Small changes can have lasting results. For example:

• Take a shorter shower and save up to 10 litres of water per minute
• Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
• When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
• Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden
• Avoid using paddling pools
• In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
• If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
• Report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278

Peter Gallagher, Asset Operations Lead for Irish Water, said: “We would like to wish the Irish public well as they enjoy some well-deserved staycations this summer. We are continuing to work with our local authority partners to ensure everyone enjoys a reliable water supply during the busy summer period and beyond. We are also asking the public to take note of their water usage and conserve where possible.

“Conserving water is something that we should be doing year round, not just when supplies come under pressure due to drought conditions and seasonal increases in demand. As demand increases we are appealing to the public to redouble their efforts in conserving water in the home, in the garden, at work and on the farm, especially during the busy months of July and August when staycations will be at a peak and demand is expected to soar.

“This applies particularly to tourist hotspots in popular coastal regions and tourist destinations throughout the country of which we are lucky to have so many and where large influxes of visitors are expected.

“As rivers, lakes and groundwater levels reduce through the summer and autumn period, there is less water available for supply, while at the same time the warmer weather gives rise to increased water demands for domestic, agricultural and leisure uses. During late August and September, river and lake levels in Monaghan decrease which puts pressure on water supplies.

“There are lots of helpful tips for conserving water on water.ie but the key things are to leave the hose and the pressure washer in the shed; don’t use paddling pools; reuse household water for the garden; and take shorter showers. Safeguarding the supply of water is essential at this time when handwashing and hygiene is of critical importance. We are calling on everyone to play their part.”

Irish Water has been carefully monitoring all of its raw water sources, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed our water treatment plants. Night time restrictions have been used in a small number of locations across the country to ensure a consistent day time supply for all. While the public are being asked to conserve, there are currently no plans to implement a Water Conservation Order.

Peter continued: “In Irish Water, we are continually working with our local authority partners to look at what we call the supply/demand balance. This means that we need to ensure that we can supply more treated drinking water than is required for use. We can manage this by conserving water; losing less by repairing leaks; and supplying smarter by ensuring that all of our plants are working optimally.

“We can all work together to protect our supplies and safeguard our water for essential usage.”

With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public are reminded to adhere to public health and HSE advice, and handwashing and hygiene remain critically important.

Further water conservation information is available on the Irish Water website www.water.ie/conservation

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

Cllr Aidan Campbell, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council attended the launch of the EBR Charter – ‘A Blueprint for Cross Border Cooperation in the East Border Region’ on 23rd June 2021in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. Other Councillors attending from Monaghan County Council were Cllr Sean Conlon, Cllr Aoife McCooey and Cllr Noel Keelan.

This Innovative Charter for Cross border cooperation in the East Border Region takes account of the fact that the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, sets out the parameters for cross border cooperation between the six-member authorities North and South and outlines future regional cross border priorities. In 2021 EBR celebrates 45 years of cross border Local Authority led cooperation and is one of the longest established cross border local authority led groups in Europe. EBR is currently involved in the implementation of INTERREG VA Projects to the value of €104 million.

The EBR Charter is elected member led and represents a renewed mandate for EBR to be a principal mechanism for continued cross border cooperation between the six-member Local Authorities. Monaghan County Council, along with the five other member Councils participated in the signing of The Local Authority Declaration of Commitment outlined in the Charter which states:

We the member authorities of the East Border Region hereby declare our joint commitment to continue to work together to address the issues arising from the Ireland/N Ireland border in order to protect and improve the prosperity of the citizens of the Region and the public and private services that they can access.”

Both Minister Simon Coveney TD and Minister Conor Murphy MLA gave keynote addresses at the event.

Minister Murphy stated, “EBR has a 20-year track record in delivering cross border EU funding and is currently involved in a number of INTERREG projects. EBR has always been an organisation that leads on cross border co-operation, and it is timely that the EBR Charter reaffirms and refreshes the organisations mission in light of Brexit, and the ongoing commitment of the six-member local authorities to cross border co-operation.”

In his keynote address Minister Coveney stated “I am very pleased that the Reconciliation Fund has provided support for the development of the EBR Charter, EBR has a long and proud history of practical cross border co-operation for the benefit of the citizens of the region, and has done invaluable work in terms of capacity building between elected members, council officials and key stakeholders. EBR is a first-class example of cross border regional co-operation and it needs to be supported and enhanced”.

In her address Pamela Arthurs, Chief Executive, outlined the proposed implementation of the EBR Charter along thematic lines and pointed to the forthcoming €1 billion PEACE PLUS Programme as an exciting opportunity to implement practical cross border co-operation projects. The key themes include:

• Economic Development and Regeneration
• Tourism
• Biodiversity
• Energy
• Climate change
• Social Inclusion

Further information on the EBR Charter is available at this link www.eastborderregion.com/ebr-charter

The Digital Strategy for County Monaghan 2021-2025 will be launched in C:Tek Carrickmacross at 2pm on June 25th by Minister Heather Humphreys.

The Digital Strategy is a County strategy which has been informed by a series of stakeholders’ surveys, engagements and interviews. It features a range of focus areas and two specific headline projects which will aim to enhance Co. Monaghan’s reputation as an agri-food producer and as an inclusive, forward looking Digital Council.

The Digital Strategy will be launched by Minister Humphreys, Aidan Mckenna from Enterprise Ireland who chairs the County Digital Steering Group; Claire Cunningham, Aura internet, vice-chairperson of the Steering Group and Cllr Aidan Campbell, newly elected Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Co. Council.

The event is available to view here:

 

To download the Digital Strategy and read more please click here >>

National Broadband Ireland, Vodafone & Minister Heather Humphreys will be launching Drumhowan Community Centre as the 200^th BCP nationally, with an event in Drumhowan being hosted by the local Community group.  The launch takes place at 11am at Drumhowan Community Centre and can be accesses here on a live stream: https://www.youtube.com/c/FabianMurphyVideoServices/live

The launch will be attended by David McCourt and Peter Hendrick from NBI; Minister Heather Humphreys DRCD, Minister Ossian Smith, DECC and Sinead Bryan, Head of Business from Vodafone Ireland.

Local BCP launches

In the course of the day, Minister Humphreys will also launch 10 BCPs in total across the county. These will celebrate the installation of high speed broadband in rural community buildings across the county, and across the country, opening up a range of diverse opportunities focussing around E-health, remote working, digital learning and Arts & Culture.

As an example of the Arts & Culture theme, the launch in Drumhowan will feature a short performance of Patrick Kavanagh’s poetry from Tommy & John McArdle who are natives of Drumhowan and who are known throughout their country for their work bring this poet’s work to audiences across the country and beyond.

The full schedule of BCP visits

• • 9.20am – 11am Minister visits BCPs
  • 9.30am Connons
  • 10am Tannagh Outdoor Education Centre
  • 10.30am Carn Resource Centre
• 11am Minister arrives at Drumhowan for launch of 200^th BCP
• 12.30 – 1pm Minister visits BCPs
  • Corduff-Raferagh
• 1 – 2pm  Break
• 2 – 3.30pm Launch of Monaghan Digital Strategy at C-Tek building in Carrickmacross (tbc)
  • Presentation from Aidan MCKenna & official launch in Carrickmacross Civic Offices
• 3.30 – 5pm Minister visits BCPs
  • Monaghan GAA Centre of Excellence
  • Tullycorbet parish Hall
  • Corcaghan Community Centre
  • Latton resource Centre
  • Latton GAA Community Centre

Temporary Closing of Roads

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

Date & Time:     Monday 12^th July 2021 to Monday 09^th August 2021

To Facilitate:      Bridge Rehabilitation Works.

Roads Closed:    L-22632-0 in the townland of Killynenagh Co. Monaghan

Diversion Route:

Traffic wishing to travel on the L-22632 from the townland of Magherashaghry in the direction of the townland of Coppanagh/Lisarney will be diverted onto the L-2262, then turning left on to the L-22621, then turning left on to the L-6280, then continuing on the L-6008.

Traffic wishing to travel on the L-22632 from the townland of Coppanagh/Lisarney to the townland of Magherashaghry will be diverted by remaining on the L-6008, then continuing on the L-6280, then turning right on to the L-22621, then turning right on to the L-2262

All Detours will be signposted to direct the Traffic. (L-22632 Local Access only, no through road at the 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 29^th June 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.

Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
24^th June 2021

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Temporary Closing of Road

 

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

Dates and Times:             Monday 28^th June 2021 to Saturday 3^rd July 2021 (19:30 – 07:00) & Monday 5^th July 2021 to Saturday 10^th July 2021 (19:30 – 07:00)

To Facilitate:      Road Resurfacing Works at Night Carrickmacross Main Street and the Junction with the R179-5 Kingscourt Rd.

Road Closed:     R 927-3 and the R179 in the townlands Cloughvalley Upper and Drummond Otra of Co. Monaghan.

Diversion Route:

• Traffic wishing to travel on the R-179-5 to Kingscourt via Main Street R927-3 will be diverted via the LP4052-0 onto the R178 to Shercock. From Shercock turn left onto R162 and continue to Kingscourt.
• Traffic wishing to travel on the R927-3 to Ardee via Main Street R927-3 will be diverted via the N2-2 onto the N2-11 taking 2^nd exit from the roundabout onto the R927-4 (Oriel Rd) and turn right onto the LP4921 and continue to Ardee.
• Traffic wishing to travel to Dundalk via Main Street R927-3 will be diverted via the N2-2 on the N2-11 taking 1^st exit from the roundabout onto the R178-7 and continue to Dundalk.
• Traffic wishing to travel to R179-6 Cullaville/Crossmaglen via Main Street will be diverted via LS8510-0 (Rockdaniel Rd)

All detours will be signposted to direct traffic.

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

Gareth Mc Mahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
24^th June 2021

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Temporary Closing of Roads

 

Monaghan County Council gives notice to close the following road in the Municipal District of Ballybay/Clones in County Monaghan:

Date & Time:      Monday 5^th July 2021 to Friday 29^th October 2021

To Facilitate:      Bridge Replacement and Road Works.

Road Closed:

L-4210 in the townlands of Lisduff, Brackly, Greagh, Drumlane and Tullynahinnera Co. Monaghan

Diversion Route:

Traffic wishing to travel on the L-4210 in the direction of the R-180 will be diverted onto the L-4200, then turning right on to the R-181, then turning right on to the R-180 at the Lough Egish crossroads.

Traffic wishing to travel on the L-4210 in the direction of the R-181 will be diverted by remaining on the R-180 to the Lough Egish Crossroads, then turning left on to the R-181.

All Detours will be signposted to direct the Traffic. (L-4210 Local Access only, no through at Bridge Works).

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

Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
24^th June 2021

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Come Back Cocooners Initiative Promotion PDF >>

Monaghan Women’s Assembly
Time: Jun 22, 2021 19:30 Dublin
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98466493680?pwd=eXkzSW8zSVI5UVVJaXAzakhHUnYrZz09
Meeting ID: 984 6649 3680
Passcode: 455516