Author: monaghan

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.

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.

For more information go to gov.ie/Brexit

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

For more information on upcoming Brexit events, check out www.dfa.ie/brexit/events/

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).

Please see below press information.

All details are available on our website www.monaghansports.ie and posted on our facebook page www.facebook.com/monaghansports. Applications are made via online format.

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

Further Information: info@monaghansports.ie

Application form and all relevant information is available at www.monaghansports.ie

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.

2020 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme PDF

 

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;

N2 Clontibret to Border Post Consultation Report

N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Post Consultation Report

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;

ClontibretBorder@N2MonaghanLouth.ie or ArdeeCastleblayney@N2MonaghanLouth.ie

Irish Water and Monaghan County Council wishes to notify all customers on the Threemilehouse & Togan Public Water Scheme that following consultation with the Health Service Executive, that the drinking water restriction imposed on the supply on the 29th of July 2020, is now lifted with immediate  effect.

Customers can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1850 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on the Irish Water website at www.water.ie

Irish Water and Monaghan County Council acknowledge the patience, cooperation and assistance of the general public during the period of the drinking water restriction and greatly regrets any inconvenience caused to householders, the farming and business community.

Monaghan Three Mile House and Togan Map (PDF)

The Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Councillor Colm Carthy stated:

‘Ireland has lost a massive political figure this week; John Hume will be fondly remembered by all and he has left a legacy behind him which is beyond comparison. From his work on Civil Rights to his huge role in bringing the Good Friday agreement to fruition, John Hume gave us so much.

To the family of John Hume, his wife Pat and his wider family and large circle of friends; to the people of Derry, the SDLP Party and the people of Ireland, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.’

 

All messages of sympathy will be printed and forwarded in a Book of Condolence to the family of John Hume.

Sign the book of Condolences  http://documents.monaghancoco.ie/Forms/BookOfCondolences

Closing date: Monday 17^th August 2020

Irish Water and Monaghan County Council wish to advise Consumers on the Threemilehouse & Togan Public Water Supply scheme that ongoing operational and mechanical issues at Togan water treatment plant have resulted in elevated levels of manganese being detected. The public drinking water quality is considered to be considerably compromised and an immediate risk to your health.

As a result, and following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Irish Water and Monaghan County Council are issuing a Do Not Consume Notice with immediate effect to protect the health of all consumers on this scheme. This Do Not Consume Notice applies to all customers served by the Threemilehouse and Togan PWS and as indicated in the blue areas of the map.

IMPORTANT: Boiling your water will not render it safe to drink.

Monaghan County Council and Irish Water apologises for any disruption caused.

Please note:-  This notice does not apply to Households and businesses connected to Stranooden Group Water Scheme.

 

View Full Notice (PDF) >>

Manganese in Drinking Water – Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking water is sometimes tested for the presence of metals.

Metals can be present in drinking water but they are subject to specific legal limits.

Manganese is an example of a metal that can be found in drinking water.

The following Frequently Asked Questions have been developed to give you more information if high levels of manganese are found in your drinking water (whether you are on a public or private water supply).

 

1. What is manganese?

Manganese is a silver-grey metal that occurs naturally in soil, water and rocks.

It is used mainly in the manufacture of iron and steel. It is also used in products such as fireworks, paints and cosmetics.

It is an important element in our diets and small amounts are necessary for good health.

2. How can I be exposed to manganese?

 Our greatest exposure to manganese is usually from food. Nuts, grains, beans and tea are rich in manganese.

 How does manganese get into drinking water?

Manganese is found naturally in many surface water (lake and river water) and groundwater (underground water) sources. Water passing through soil and rock can dissolve minerals containing manganese.  This is the most likely source of manganese in drinking water.

4. What is the acceptable level of manganese in drinking water?

In Ireland, the European Drinking Water Regulations 2014 have set a limit of 50 µg/l (micrograms per litre) because, above this, manganese can affect the colour (appearing black-ish) and the taste of the water.  It can also stain laundry and plumbing fixtures.

Drinking water will generally become unpalatable (discoloured with an unpleasant taste) at levels above 50 µg/l which will deter you from drinking it.

High manganese levels in drinking water can be a risk to health. Some groups in the population are more vulnerable such as babies in the womb, infants and young children. New scientific studies show that high manganese levels in drinking water may have a harmful effect on the nervous system and brain development.

Therefore, it is advised that you should not drink water with manganese levels above 120 µg/l.ⁱ

This limit is intended to protect everyone in the population, and is based on the most vulnerable such as babies in the womb, infants and young children.

5. How would I know if there is manganese in my drinking water?

The only way to know if you have high levels of manganese is to test your water.

If your drinking water is tested for manganese, you should be aware of the result.

At levels above 50 µg/l, manganese can cause an unpleasant taste in drinking water and can stain laundry and plumbing fixtures (black colour).

6. How might manganese affect my health?

Exposure to high levels of manganese can affect the nervous system.

A condition called manganism that resembles Parkinson’s disease has been reported in metal workers and smelters who were exposed to very high levels of inhaled manganese at work.

Scientific research shows that drinking water with high levels of manganese may pose a health risk with recent international studies suggesting that it may affect the nervous system and brain development in children.

7. Who might be at higher risk of health effects?

Infants and young children seem to be more vulnerable to the potentially harmful effects of high levels of manganese in drinking water. They absorb more manganese and their bodies are less able to remove it.

Babies in the womb, pregnant women and breast-feeding women are also considered to be more susceptible.

Other vulnerable groups include people who are anaemic (i.e. low levels of iron in their blood) – more manganese is absorbed when the body has low levels of iron – and those with liver disease and the elderly.

8. What is the HSE’s health advice on manganese in drinking water?

 It is advised that you should not drink water with manganese levels above 120 µg/l.[i]

It is likely that the water will not be palatable at these levels anyway. In general, drinking water becomes discoloured (black-ish) with an unpleasant taste at levels above 50 µg/l (legal limit).  This will deter you from drinking it.

• The risk of health effects is greater for certain vulnerable groups (as set out in question 7). If you are in one of these risk groups and especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you care for an infant or young child (particularly if their feeds come from formula or baby foods made up with tap water), you should not drink water with manganese levels above 120 µg/l. You are advised to use an alternative drinking water source or install appropriate treatment to remove manganese from your water.
• For adults and older children who are not in the risk groups set out in question 7, drinking water with manganese levels slightly above 120 µg/l for short periods of time is unlikely to cause negative health effects. Nonetheless, if your drinking water is found to contain high manganese levels, you should contact the agencies as outlined in questions 9 and 10 who will provide you with further advice.

9. What happens next?

•  Further sampling of your drinking water may be required.
• If you are on a public supply, Irish Water will advise you.
• If you are on a private regulated supply, you can contact your Local Authority for advice.
• If you are on a private well, you can also contact your Local Authority for advice.
• You may have to consider using an alternative drinking water supply or installing appropriate water treatment.

10. Where can I get further advice?

•  Irish Water

https://www.water.ie/water-supply/water-quality/parameters/

• Environmental Protection Agency

http://www.epa.ie/water/dw/

• Your local County or City Council

https://www.lgma.ie/en/irish-local-government/

• Your local HSE Department of Public Health

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/publichealth/publichealthdepts/contact/phoffices.html

• Your local HSE Environmental Health Service
• Your GP if you are concerned about existing health problems or symptoms

[i] The HSE has taken a precautionary approach that is in line with that adopted by Canadian health authorities which have recently revised their guidance taking into account the most recent scientific studies. The limit of 120 ug/L is intended to protect everyone in the population, and is based on those who are most vulnerable such as infants and young children. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-manganese.html

In order to protect the health, safety and well being of members of the public and staff, Monaghan County Council Planning Department wishes to advise that the public counter at No 1 Dublin Street is now closed. Notwithstanding this, the Planning Office remains operational.

The following procedures are currently in place;

1. General Planning Queries – While you may continue to call on 047 30532 as normal, you should note that access to staff through this number is limited. As such it is recommended that you should contact the Planning Authority via email on planning@monaghancoco.ie . You can also continue to correspond in hard copy via An Post to the offices of the Planning Authority at No1 Dublin Street, Monaghan.

2. Pre-Planning Meetings – Presently all face to face pre-planning meetings have been suspended. You are requested to conduct all pre-planning discussions by email on planning@monaghancoco.ie

3. Planning Applications – All planning applications should be lodged through An Post to the offices of the Planning Office. Similarly, responses to requests for additional information should be submitted in the same manner Viewing a Planning Application – To view a planning application, please go to our website at https://monaghan.ie/planning/ where you can access and view the planning applications which have been submitted.

Submissions/Observations – If you wish to make a submission or observation on a planning application, it should be submitted via e-mail to planning@monaghancoco.ie Please ensure that you submit a phone number with your submission, so as to enable the Planning Department to contact you for the payment of the prescribed fee by Credit/Debit Card. Alternatively, a submission or observation may be lodged via An Post, in which case it should be accompanied with a postal order or cheque to the value of €20.00.

Please note that a submission cannot be accepted without payment of the prescribed fee of €20.

4. Unauthorised Development – In relation to unauthorised development, please correspond by post or via email to planning@monaghancoco.ie

5. Development Contributions – If you have any queries or wish to make a payment in respect of Development Contributions please contact the Planning Authority via email on planning@monaghancoco.ie

COVID-19

On 29 March 2020, the Minister and the Government made orders which resulted in the following;

Extension of the Appropriate Period
The period 29 March 2020 to 20 April 2020, inclusive, may now be disregarded when calculating any appropriate period, specified period or other timelines detailed in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

Exempted Development
That up until 20 April 2020, a change of use from premises selling food for consumption on the premises to one providing food for consumption off the premises, shall be considered as exempted development.

Click here to down load the Frequently Asked Questions on effect of an Order under Section 251A of the Planning and Development, Act, 2000 as amended (PDF)

All roads lead to Monaghan Town on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17th March, to celebrate the best of what Monaghan has to offer at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The parade kicks off at 3 pm and promises to be a great fun day out for all the family. Starting point for all entrants is the Lower Courthouse Car Park.

The theme this year is ‘Giants of Monaghan” and participants are asked to incorporate this theme into their entry.

Prizes will be awarded for Best Commercial Float, Best Community Float incorporating the use of the Irish language, and Best Marching Band. An award will also be given to the best window display incorporating the use of the Irish Language and also for the most innovative float.

The organising Committee would like to encourage as many people from the town and surrounding communities to become involved and participate in this year’s parade. We would encourage Businesses to sponsor/adopt a community group and work together to enter a float.

Download application form here

Monaghan County Council is committed to supporting local communities to promote, enhance and develop their local area. This commitment is supported by the annual Community and Environment Funding Scheme.
We are now inviting applications for the 2020 funding scheme.

The Community & Environment Funding scheme 2020 is now open.

Funding is available under three measures outlined below.

• Measure 1: Community Infrastructure supports
• Measure 2: Community development supports
• Measure 3: Environmental supports

Guidelines on criteria and application forms for the Community & Environment Funding Scheme 2020 can be requested:
• By telephone Monaghan County Council, Community & Enterprise section on 047 73720
• By email to communitygrants@monaghancoco.ie
• By downloading the forms from www.monaghan.ie

If you would like support completing your application, you can make an appointment with a member of the community development team at any of the contact points listed above.

Community Environment Grant Scheme 2020 Application Form

Monaghan County Council Community And Environment Grant Scheme 2020 Guidelines

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY 21st February 2020
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.