Monaghan County Council proposes to replace its Litter Management Plan 2018-2020. A new draft plan has been prepared for the prevention and control of litter within the county, setting out appropriate objectives and activities for the three- year period 2021-2023.
Submissions are invited from members of the public and from voluntary and representative bodies in relation to the proposed plan. Copies of the plan are also available free of charge from the Environmental Services Department, Civic Office, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, or by contacting 042-9661240.
As the summer months approach, lots of children will be playing outdoors, many of whom will be in their front garden, in a place where they should feel safe and secure. However, most road fatalities involving children in Ireland occur in built up areas and one location where many injuries occur is on residential driveways.
Des Brennan, Paramedic Supervisor with HSE Ambulance Service covering Co Monaghan, has dealt with several such incidents, and is taking this opportunity to remind people of the dangers. “Tragically, in most of these cases, an adult member of the child’s family, a neighbour or a visitor to the house were driving the vehicle. Most deaths occur when children are hit by a reversing vehicle or when the vehicle has rolled back after the handbrake was accidentally released.
He added “It is important to remember that cars are not a safe place for children to play in or around. They should never be left alone inside a vehicle, even when the engine is switched off. Electric windows, choking and fire hazards in cars can all prove fatal to small children. Many parents do not think an accident will happen to their family, unless they know someone who has already experienced one, meaning they do not take simple precautions. But as every parent knows, young children can easily escape your supervision for a short time and get into difficulties before even realising they have moved. Unfortunately, Ambulance Service personnel have witnessed the consequences firsthand and the devastating effects it has had on families.”
Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer with Monaghan County Council asks motorists to consider if any of the following has ever happened to them:
Has a child ever followed you out of the house on to the driveway without you realising?
Have you ever started to manoeuvre a vehicle on the driveway before realising a child was close by when you thought they were elsewhere?
Have you temporarily left your children unattended in the car on the driveway, while going back into the house for something?
The Road Safety Officer added that in addition to remaining vigilant as a parent and offered the following advice. “It is a good idea to educate children so that they know the dangers that can be posed by playing in or around parked cars. When parking on a driveway, after checking your handbrake in secured, always park with the vehicle in gear and if appropriate turn the steering wheel so that if the vehicle happened to move, it would be stopped by a kerb or something similar, rather than rolling straight back.
When a vehicle is being reversed off a driveway, small children may not be visible in the mirrors. Where possible, try to reverse into a driveway and drive off forwards. If this is not possible, remember to be aware of your surroundings and where children are. Walk around the back of the car before you get in, be mindful of your blind spots and proceed slowly as you reverse.
As a parent you should be aware of the risks of children running out to greet or wave goodbye to visitors while vehicles are still manoeuvring. Drivers of larger vehicles, such as 4×4’s may have restricted views of children who are close to the vehicle. By following the above simple steps, you can help ensure that children, who are the most vulnerable of our road users, remain safe in their front gardens.”
More information on driveway safety can be found on the Road Safety Authority’s website www.rsa.ie
Monaghan County Council has been directed by Failte Ireland to make an addendum to the guidelines for The Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Business.
In recognition of the global demand for outdoor seating and accessories in some instances suppliers are unable to complete orders until January 2022. In these ‘exceptional circumstances’ applicants can still apply under the scheme and will receive their grants once goods are delivered and they can provide proof of delivery and images of the furniture in-situ. Applicants need to apply for the scheme prior to the closing date which has now been extended to 8th October 2021 enclosing the quotes for goods, delivery dates from the suppliers and will still need to be compliant with all regulatory and planning requirements.
Please note the closing date has been extended to the 8th October 2021. – Closed for applications.
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 14 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 8th October 2021.
This week, Monaghan County Council delivered broadband and wifi Access Points to additional community centres across the county under the Wifi4EU scheme. Public Wifi has been installed in Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney, St. Michaels Hall, Donaghmoyne and in the newly refurbished Doohamlet Parish Hall. Broadband has already been installed in 30 community and public buildings, including Ardaghey Community Centre, Sliabh Beagh and the Patrick Kavanagh centre. The addition of state-of-the-art wifi will allow people using these buildings to have access to high speed broadband for future meetings and even to access public wifi outside the buildings in the car park area.
Accessing wifi4eu is a straightforward process that does not require the user to input any personal information or passwords. Users connect wirelessly to the Wifi4EU network and agree to the Terms and Conditions. All access is monitored to keep all users safe and free from harm This project has been designed to introduce broadband into public spaces and to enable communities to broaden the range of activities and to reimagine their community centres as places for work and for study. The Wifi4EU project is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland, together with Monaghan County Council.
Access to broadband at community level is one of the key objectives in Monaghan’s Digital Strategy. It is anticipated that this will enable the development of a range if digital services and digital training in community settings in the course of the next few years.
The Department of Public Health North-East would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the people of Cavan and Monaghan for their efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic this year.
Our team of public health professionals and contact tracers have been working tirelessly on the frontline and managing cases and outbreaks across various settings, including households, healthcare and residential settings, workplaces, social events, schools and more, since the first case in the region was detected in March and we thank you all for your co-operation, courage and sacrifice.
Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North-East said; “We are grateful to all our staff during this difficult time and want to say a huge thank you for their work to manage this pandemic. We remember all those who sadly passed away due to COVID-19 and their grieving families”.
The Department of Public Health North-East are urging the people of Cavan and Monaghan to play their part by keeping their guard up over the Christmas period to help reduce the number of cases in the region.
The latest national data published last night highlights that the number of cases is increasing more rapidly than had been anticipated. Cavan have an incidence rate in the county of 177.2 per 100,000 population with 135 new cases in the 14 days up to midnight on Sunday. In Monaghan, there have been 91 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
COVID-19 is still very much here, so even as the green shoots of hope start to come through, we need to continue to keep our guard up. Christmas will be a little different this year, but when we keep our distance when visiting others, using public transport or doing our Christmas shopping, we are protecting ourselves and those around us.
Dr Augustine Pereira said ”The pandemic is far from over, and for as long as the virus is among us, we ask that the people of Cavan and Monaghan to hold firm. In this festive season of goodwill, let’s not share the virus, but show we careby following the core public health guidelines; limiting social contacts, keeping a physical distance of two metres, wearing a mask, frequently washing hands, and adhering to proper cough and sneeze etiquette.”
“The public need to follow public health guidelines even if their symptoms are mild, as cases with mild symptoms are not always aware of their potential infectivity and go on to unwittingly infect others who they come into close contact.We are reminding people that have COVID-19 symptoms of the necessity to isolate themselves from everyone and contact a GP.”
“We can prevent more cases if we follow public health guidelines. Our priority is to ensure the people of Cavan and Monaghan enjoy a safe and healthy Christmas period after what has been an extremely difficult year. We need to protect our most vulnerable and avoid un-necessary illnesses and deaths this winter.”
If you’re concerned about any symptoms, stay at home and contact your GP.
If you’re waiting for a test or the results of a test, stay at home, away from others.
Your household contacts must also stay at home while you are waiting for the result of your test.
If you’re the close contact of a case – stay at home and restrict your movements for 14 days
If you receive a positive test result – you need to stay at home, and isolate yourself from others for 10 days. For more information go to www.hse.ie/coronavirus
The most important action we can take to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 is to follow the public health advice:
– ensure regular hand washing,
– practice good respiratory hygiene,
– keep two metres between yourself and other people,
– avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth,
– wear a mask where indicated in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces,
– and download the COVID Tracker App.
As per the Government’s announcement earlier this month, special arrangements for Christmas came into effect on December 18 until January 6. For more information, see www.gov.ie/SafeChristmas .
Monaghan County Council is currently rolling out public Wifi through the Wifi4EU programme in partnership with the Department of Rural & Community Development and Wifi4EU based in Brussels. This aims to expand the reach of public wifi to public areas, public buildings and community buildings throughout the county. This is being done in collaboration with Telecommunications partners within the county which has expanded its coverage across Carrickmacross and the Clones area in recent months.
Monaghan County Council Public WiFi hotspot is now LIVE at Carrickmacross Workhouse, Shercock Rd, Carrickmacross.
Carrickmacross Workhouse, one of the few remaining Irish Workhouses to be lovingly and carefully restored, showcases our heritage and the best that South Monaghan has to offer.
The last few months have crystalised the importance of having a reliable, high-speed broadband service available to the public at this not for profit Community Resource, Training, Heritage and Tourist Centre
Government launches Brexit Readiness Action Plan on the steps businesses and individuals should now take ahead of the end of the Transition Period on 31 December
The Government has today published its Brexit Readiness Action Plan. This call to action outlines a broad range of changes that will occur in less than four months’ time, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing EU-UK negotiations. It provides clear and concise advice on steps that need to be taken now by businesses and individuals in order to prepare for the end of the Transition Period on 31 December 2020.
Minister Simon Coveney, Taoiseach Micháel Martin, and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar at the launch of the Brexit Readiness Action Plan
Launching the Brexit Readiness Action Plan, the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD said:
“In less than four months’ time, regardless of the outcome of the current negotiations, the UK will be outside the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union.
“The Government’s Brexit Readiness Action Plan published today lays out the profound changes that are going to take place as a result of Brexit and the steps Irish businesses and individuals should now take.
We know this is already an extremely challenging time for businesses across the country. The Government will continue to provide support and guidance, and working together, taking action now, we can reduce the impact of Brexit as much as possible”.
The Action Plan outlines the changes which will take place at the end of the year, the most significant and immediate being that, as of 1 January 2021, the UK will be outside the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This will have significant implications for every business who moves goods to, from, or through Great Britain.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD said:
“In 2020 we’ve seen businesses across the country fundamentally change how they do business – whether it’s a restaurant moving to take away, a shop moving on-line, or changing from an office-based business to working remotely. Once again we are asking businesses to take action. Economic Brexit is happening at the end of the year. Free Trade Deal or No Free Trade Deal, the UK will leave the Single Market and Customs Union in little more than sixteen weeks. For companies that trade with Britain, things will not be the same.
“Making sure your business is ready for any changes to customs is crucial. So, we are making available a grant up to €9,000 per employee taken on or redeployed to enable businesses build their capacity to manage any customs changes. Practical training is available, through Enterprise Ireland which is running an online Customs Insights course and through Local Enterprise Offices which are providing one to one Brexit mentoring. The €2 billion Credit Guarantee Scheme we opened earlier this week, the Microfinance Ireland loan, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, the Restart Grant Plus, the VAT reduction, warehousing of tax liabilities and of course the EWSS will also help as will increased Government spending on public services, infrastructure, education and skills. All designed to help businesses survive this difficult period and protect jobs.”
The Action Plan provides guidance and advice to business and individuals in areas including the trade in goods and services, customs processes, import duties, EU single market accreditations, use of the UK land bridge, retail trade, including online retail with the UK, the transfer of data, the movement of pets, recognition of qualifications, and many other issues which will arise at the end of the Transition Period.
Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD said:
“Brexit is going to change the way business operates and we need to be ready. The public and business response to the challenges of the last year have been extraordinary. We have done so much to protect one another and to move forward, it has been remarkable. But we need to continue to look forward. The challenge of Brexit to Irish business is huge but by working together and taking action now we can reduce those impacts.
Since the outset of the Brexit process, transport connectivity has been one of our key concerns, and in particular the connectivity to the UK and our EU trading partners. Brexit will bring change regardless of whether an agreement is achieved or not.
Obviously these matters remain the subject of the ongoing negotiations and it is not possible to predict the outcome. That being said, there are actions that we as Government, industry and citizens can take to mitigate the impacts of the UK’s exit from the Single Market. We need to focus and work towards this. “
1 January 2021 is very different from earlier no-deal cliff edges. It will bring permanent change in the way the EU and UK trade and engage. Government, business and individuals must work together and take the necessary steps now to prepare for the new reality of the UK outside of the EU while we remain at its heart. Ireland will do this as part of the EU 27 with the strength and certainty that brings.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD said:
“There is no more time, no matter what the status quo will change on January 1st next and we need to use the months between now and then to ensure no business is left behind”
Today’s launch of the Brexit Readiness Action Plan is accompanied by two new Government programmes to assist businesses prepare for new customs and trading arrangements. These are:
Ready for Customs – through Enterprise Ireland a grant of up to €9,000 will be provided to businesses per eligible employee hired, or redeployed within the business, to a dedicated customs role. This has been funded from a €20m Brexit Fund made available under the July Jobs Stimulus;
Clear Customs Online 2020 – Skillnet Ireland’s free online customs training, to support the customs intermediary sector and businesses that moves goods frequently to, from, or through Great Britain.
The Government is also today publishing the General Scheme of the 2020 Brexit Omnibus Bill, which addresses a wide range of complex issues that will arise at the end of the Transition Period. This legislation will be brought before the Oireachtas in the autumn.
A new communications campaign focused on ensuring business and individuals are prepared for Brexit will also be launched today. This will be supported by the issuing by Revenue of letters to over 90,000 companies in the coming days who have traded with the UK since 2019, in which detailed information, as set out in the Action Plan, on the steps they must urgently take to prepare for Brexit will be outlined. The letters will be supported by a telephone call campaign.
Regardless of the outcome of the future relationship negotiations, the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland will apply. This protects the peace process and avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland, while preserving the integrity of the EU Customs Union and Single Market, and Ireland’s place therein. Under the Protocol, the Union Customs Code and other EU provisions necessary to preserve the integrity of the Single Market will continue to apply to and in Northern Ireland. This ensures that from Northern Ireland also will have free and open access to the EU Single Market.
Government Brexit Events The Government of Ireland has held over 200 events nationwide to date. See upcoming event details here:
Clear Customs Online Training; Run by Skillnet Ireland, this programme also launched today aims to boost your in-house customs capacity. Apply now at this link
ONLINE Prepare your Business for Customs Workshops: run by Local Enterprise Office’s over more than 24 dates from today. More here.
Webinar on Brexit & the Services Sector; run in partnership with Newry Chamber of Commerce and Intertrade Ireland,10th September, more here
Customs Readiness Programme: run by Bord Bia, this programme will run on 24th Sept, 1st/8th October. For more info click here
Small Grant Scheme for sports clubs (Covid19 supports)
Monaghan Sports Partnership has now launched its small grant scheme for sports clubs (this scheme may also be applicable to community organisations whereby sport and physical activity is their core element).
Monaghan Sports Partnership COVID-19 Sports Club Small Grant Scheme
Sports clubs in County Monaghan can now apply for COVID-19 Sports Club Small Grants of up to €1,500 through Monaghan Sports Partnership.
The COVID-19 Club Small Grant Scheme is part of a series of COVID-19 related funding schemes from Sport Ireland, following the announcement of funding by the Government to support the sports sector in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
The COVID-19 Club Small Grant Scheme will be implemented by Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships and will provide assistance to local clubs with covering costs associated with the reopening of sports clubs. This scheme is separate to the Sports Club Resilience Fund, which will be delivered through National Governing Bodies.
This scheme is designed to support sports clubs that do not have the finances to implement COVID-19 related hygiene and social distancing protocols. The COVID-19 Club Small Grants can be used to support COVID-19 related expenditure dating from 2nd May 2020 onwards (Date of publication of Government roadmap to recovery). As the total fund available is limited, clubs which already have the finances to implement COVID-19 protocols should not apply.
This grant scheme is designed and intended to support return to sporting activities only and cannot be used to support COVID-19 costs related to hospitality services such as bars or restaurants within sports facilities.
The scheme will be based on identified needs. Monaghan Sports Partnership and Sport Ireland will work together to ensure that the investment is distributed fairly and every effort will be made to ensure that the wider sports community benefits from this scheme. There is a €1,500 limit per club on this grant scheme however applications will be means tested and only clubs with the most need will be eligible for the full amount. Clubs should not feel that they have to apply for the full amount to be considered for support.
Speaking regarding the launch of the COVID-19 Club Small Grant Scheme, LSP Coordinator with Monaghan Sports Partnership, Michelle Murphy, said “Monaghan Sports Partnership welcomes the announcement of financial support for sports clubs across Ireland and encourages all sports clubs in Monaghan to assess their need for financial support towards COVID-19 related hygiene and social distancing protocols.”
• Only one application can be submitted per sport club
• Applications to Monaghan Sports Partnership are only applicable to clubs based within Co. Monaghan
• Funding applications must be submitted by the closing date of Tuesday 1st September 2020 via the online application option on Monaghan Sports Partnership’s website at www.monaghansports.ie
• Clubs must ensure that, where available, they prioritise the application for funding support via their National Governing Body or relevant representative body. Funding support for the same purpose should not be sought from multiple sources
Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural & Community Development recently announced funding of €10 million under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2020. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas. The Scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas, such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes. The 2020 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will provide funding under 3 separate measures:
• Measure 1: Small Scale repair/Promotion and Marketing (grant up to €20,000).
• Measure 2: Medium scale repair/upgrade and new Trail/Amenity Development (grant up to €200,000).
• Measure 3: Large scale Repair/upgrade and new Strategic Trail/Amenity Development (grant up to €500,000). Project applications are submitted via the Local Authorities under all Measures.
Details of the 2020 Scheme can be found below.
Expressions of Interest are now being sought for projects under all measures. Expressions of Interest should include as much information as possible, including project details, location, estimated cost if known etc.
Please contact your local Municipal District Co-ordinator to discuss potential projects for submission to this scheme as early as possible:
• Ballybay/Clones Municipal District Office – 047 51018
• Carrickmacross/Castleblayney Municipal District Office – 042 9661236
• Monaghan Municipal District Office – 047 73777
The closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest is Friday 28th August 2020 and all Expressions of Interest should be submitted to akierans@monaghancoco.ie.
Post Consultation Reports on the ‘Route Corridor Options’ public consultation for the N2 Clontibret to Border and N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road Schemes have now been published and are available through the project website www.N2MonaghanLouth.ie, or can be downloaded here;
The reports summarise how the public consultations were advertised and managed, set out how many people participated and provide an overview of the type of feedback received. Submissions received through the public consultation process will be considered by the Project Team in identifying an Emerging Preferred Route Corridor for each scheme.
The N2 Project Team continue to work on the project and can be contacted through the project phoneline (087 340 3786) or by email;
SERVICES
The Department of Public Health North-East would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the people of Cavan and Monaghan for their efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic this year.
