Clones Marina – A Vision for Waterside Development – Prospectus & Questionnaire

Waterways Ireland and its partners, Monaghan County Council and Fáilte Ireland, are seeking to engage with those who might be interested in delivering a high-quality visitor experience(s) and community resource, with a focus on both on-water and land-based activities, from a new facility being developed in Clones, and are keen to encourage innovative and creative activities at and around the canal basin which will contribute to the overall vision for the site.

The Market Soundings will provide an opportunity to engage initially with interested parties who may have ideas on potential uses, and this will inform the next stage of the process.

At this stage, interested parties are invited to outline details of how their business might operate at this site by completing and returning the attached questionnaire to procurement@waterwaysireland.org before Wednesday, 20th December 2023.

The Prospect and Questionnaire are available to view and completed via the following links:

Clones Marina – Prospectus

Clones Marina – Questionnaire

Ba mhian le Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin a chur in iúl go bhfuil eolas maidir leis na bóithre atá sé i gceist a dhúnadh agus na bóithre ar aontaíodh iad a dhúnadh ar https://www.mapalerter.ie/monaghan agus ar ár suíomh gréasáin https://monaghan.ie/roadtransport/category/notices/

Má tá aon cheist agat maidir le dúnadh na mbóithre seo, déan teagmháil le hoifig chuí an Cheantair Bhardasaigh

Ceantar Bardasach Mhuineacháin (047) 73777 nó ríomhphost monaghan@monaghancoco.ie

Ceantar Bardasach Bhéal Átha Beithe/Chluain Eois (047) 51018 nó ríomhphost clones@monaghancoco.ie

Ceantar Bardasach Charraig Mhachaire Rois/Bhaile na Lorgan (042) 9661236 nó ríomhphost carrickmacross@monaghancoco.ie

Rockcorry Vision Plan – Monaghan County Council

The Rockcorry Vision Plan has been funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development and Monaghan County Council under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme & was officially launched by Minister Heather Humphreys on November 16th.  The plan concentrates on a long-term vision for Rockcorry Village and its hinterlands and to identify and help prioritise projects from the development of Rockcorry to 2030 and beyond.

This plan identified 36 actions and has the potential to developed these under the plans overarching 6 themes.

  1. Community Spaces – Social, Leisure and Recreation.
  2. Economic Development and Employment.
  3. Digital Transformation.
  4. Built Heritage for future generations.
  5. Natural Heritage and Biodiversity.
  6. Places for People – Rockcorry as a Destination.

See plan here: Rockcorry Vision Plan Book

 

Drum Vision Plan – Monaghan County Council

The Drum Vision Plan has been funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development and Monaghan County Council under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme & was officially launched by Minister Heather Humphreys on November 20th.  The plan concentrates on a long-term vision for Drum Village and its hinterlands and to identify and help prioritise projects from the development of Drum to 2030 and beyond.

This plan identified 39 actions and has the potential to developed these under the plans overarching 6 themes.

  • A Vibrant and Sustainable Village centre
  • A Place to Live
  • Community Spaces for All
  • A Biodiverse and Sustainable Community
  • Digital Transformation
  • A Place to Visit

See plan here: Drum Vision Plan book

Design of the N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme recommences

After being suspended for almost two years, the N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme has secured EU and Department of Transport funding and is now back up and running.
The N2 Clontibret to Border project is a 28km road scheme which will upgrade this section of the N2 Dublin-Derry Road to make it safer, reduce journey times, and to bypass towns and villages along the route. It is an important project to enhance key North/South and Regional connectivity. At the Northern Ireland border, the project will tie-in to the A5 Western Transport Corridor, which proposes to upgrade 85km of the Dublin-Derry Road to a dual carriageway standard in Northern Ireland.

The project first commenced in 2008, but was suspended in 2012 due to a lack of funding during the economic downturn. Funding then became available in 2018 to progress the planning and design of the scheme again, however due to changes in environmental legislation, design standards and the Public Spending Code it was necessary undertake all stages of the planning and design process again.

Jacobs Engineering Ireland (Jacobs) was appointed as the engineering consultant for the project, and in late 2018 they started the design of the project, following a framework set out by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) called the ‘Project Management Guidelines’. The guidelines break the design of major road projects into phases, and by early 2021 Phase 1 and 2 of the design process were complete, and a 400m wide Preferred Route Corridor was published. The project proposes a new road alignment, which will bypass Monaghan Town, Emyvale Village and the settlement of Corracrin. In the early stages the cross-section design was anticipated to be a dual-carriageway, however this has yet to be confirmed through the design process.

The Phase 3 design process (Design & Environmental Evaluation), commenced in Spring 2021. This phase of the design process would have seen the road alignment designed, the landtake identified and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report prepared for the scheme, and was scheduled for completion in late 2022. The 2022 TII allocations noted ‘There is a need to balance available funding across the national road’s programmes, projects and operations having regard to the NDP. The rate of progress on the delivery of Major Projects is dependent on the availability of funding resources on a multi-annual basis….’, and the scheme received no funding to progress the design in 2022 and 2023. This resulted in a suspension of the project, and no design work has taken place since the early 2022.

The project remains a priority for Monaghan County Council, and alternative sources of funding have been explored. In January 2023 the Council made an application to a European Union fund called the ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ (CEF), which aims to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment. The project passed the evaluation stage in June 2023, and in October 2023, CEF funding of €2.335m was approved through the fund, with match funding to be provided by the Department of Transport. This will allow the Phase 3 design process to recommence, and subject to match funding should ensure the Phase 3 design is completed.

Jacobs continue to be the engineering consultant, and the Jacobs team will remobilise in the coming weeks to recommence the Phase 3 design process. Due to the time that has lapsed since the project was suspended, Jacobs may need to review or repeat some previous work, for example environmental surveys may need to be updated. The project team will be in contact with landowners along the route to request access to lands for these surveys.

Another important element of the design work is undertaking ground investigation. Ground investigation provides important information about whether land can support a new road or bridges, or whether rock or stone can be used as building materials for the new road. As ground investigations typically involve some element of disturbance, landowners are entitled to compensation payments, in line with rates agreed between TII and the Irish Farmers’ Association. The project team will be in contact with relevant landowners in Spring 2024, and will provide details of any ground investigation proposed and the likely compensation payment that might be due.

After the N2 Project Team has substantially completed the necessary surveys/investigations, they will prepare an initial design of the proposed road and will be in a position to meet with directly affected landowners to discuss the potential impact of the scheme. Feedback will then be considered before a design is finalised. Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) documentation and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) can then be completed – it is expected that this element of the project will be complete by Q4 2025. Subject to further funding, approval and Government consent, the project could then be submitted to An Bord Pleanála as part of the statutory approval process.

Monaghan County Council and Jacobs would like to thank all of the landowners and stakeholders along the route for their co-operation to date, and the project team is looking forward to recommencing and progressing this important infrastructural project. Over the coming months more updates and news about the project can be found on www.N2MonaghanLouth.ie

 

 

Call to Action – Join the 16 Days of Activism Campaign from 25th November to 10th December

The ‘Orange the World’ logo was created by UN Women to symbolize a brighter future free from violence for all women and girls. Each year, UN Women and its UN partners use it during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, from  25 November to 10 December, in the context of the UN Secretary General’s UNiTE to end Violence against Women Campaign.

The 16 Days campaign commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Violence against Women and Girls remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation worldwide affecting more than an estimated 1 in 3 women, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the last decade. The most recent global estimates show that, on average, more than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.

Gender-based violence also includes violence directed at persons which is motivated by how they choose to identify sexually.

The colour orange continues to be a UN tool unifying all activities to bring global attention to the ‘Orange the World’ initiative. However, in light of the energy crisis, this year we are not calling upon partners to illuminate buildings and landmarks in orange or to do so for a limited period on 25 November. We invite partners to consider different ways of painting the world orange including through decorating buildings, wearing the colour orange and oranging digital spaces throughout the 16 days.

More info:  https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/unite

Lots of social media content: https://trello.com/b/dHz04eiF/16days-of-activism-2023-noexcuse

Monaghan Joint Policing Committee is asking you to show your support for those who have suffered violence because of their gender in our community, and to send a strong message to those who carry out this abuse that it has no place in our society. That there is NO EXCUSE for it.

A simple way you can show your support for the campaign for the 16 days is to Orange your social media profiles on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn by downloading the #NoExcuse cover image and changing your banner.  You can get the banners for Twitter, FB and LinkedIn here:

https://trello.com/c/GB3xkvJ8/6-banners-social-media-covers

You can also:
-Add an orange heart 🧡 next to your name
-Add the hashtags #NoExcuse #OrangeTheWorld and #16Days in your bio.

-Use the logos below – originals available at the links provided above:

Monaghan County Council awarded maximum 3-year reaccreditation by Engineers Ireland

 

 

 

 

Monaghan County Council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout the organisation has been recognised with a maximum 3-year reaccreditation by Engineers Ireland, acknowledging the quality of, and commitment to, it’s CPD systems and practices for engineering and technical staff. The award recognises the ongoing drive of the CPD committee and the entire organisation, noting:

All the signs are that the organisation has excellent, well integrated CPD systems, processes and practices in place with clear evidence of top level and cross functional commitment to CPD. These systems are constantly reviewed and aligned to the organisational goals showing the strategic importance of CPD in achieving business objectives and benefits.

Monaghan County Council has demonstrated advancements in two of the Engineers Ireland Reaccreditation Programme’s criteria, (from the last reaccreditation in 2020), with the rollout of a pilot Mentoring Programme across all grades and with the adoption of an Innovation Strategy, Innovation Team and pilot programme.

The CPD Committee has also ensured the recognition and value of professional qualifications of staff and has progressed a policy approval for the reimbursement of professional membership fees.

‘I am delighted that Monaghan County Council has received reaccreditation from Engineers Ireland for the Council’s CPD programme which recognises that we as an employer value the ongoing personal and professional development of our staff.  Reaccreditation was obtained following a rigorous audit by Engineers Ireland and the achievement is testament to the hard work and constant striving for improvement by the Council’s CPD Committee and staff,’ said Robert Burns, Chief Executive.

A Feasibility Study on the Adoption of Alternative Fuel Vehicles for Local Authorities

Monaghan County Council (Ireland) launched A Feasibility Study on the Adoption of Alternative Fuel Vehicles for Local Authorities in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Louth County Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Belfast Met and East Border Region through our consultant Fehily Timoney have launched.  The launch was attended by staff from each of the partners and Monaghan County Council (Ireland) Councillors.  The study was funded by the Shared Island Unit through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The findings of the Feasibility Study were presented.

The seven stages of the study:

  1. Baseline evaluation
  2. Contextual Analysis
  3. Stakeholder and Industry Engagement
  4. Case Study Analysis
  5. Alternative Fuel Option Analysis
  6. Development of a Strategic Roadmap
  7. Completion of the Feasibility Study Report.

Q&A followed.

The targets for Republic of Ireland under CAP23 requires a reduction in GHG emissions of 51% by 2030 and to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050.

The targets for Northern Ireland under Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Act) requires a reduction in GHG emissions of 48% by 2030 and to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050.

COMHAIRLE CHONTAE MHUINEACHAIN MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL – PLANNING NOTICE – Ballyalbany Bridge

Part XI Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)

Part 8, Article 81 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Monaghan County Council hereby gives notice that it proposes to carry out development at Ballyalbany Bridge, Coolshannagh Road, Coolshannagh, Mullaghmore East, & Derrynagrew, Co. Monaghan.

The proposed development will consist of

  • Construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge on the east side of the existing Ballyalbany Bridge. The new bridge will directly abut the existing bridge. The new bridge will be joined to the existing bridge but will be supported independently via new piled abutments and new wingwalls.
  • Construction of new embankments on approaches to new bridge.
  • Construction of new timber post and rail fencing.
  • Construction of new kerb lines for new footpaths and cycle lanes/tracks
  • Provision of shared areas for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Provision of uncontrolled crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Planting of trees and other soft landscaping.
  • Provision of new lighting.
  • Construction of over-ride areas and narrowing of the existing Park Road / Coolshanagh Walk junction.
  • Earthworks / excavations of existing roadways and verges, of existing roadway/footpaths, for service ducts and road crossings, etc.
  • All associated Civil works with the above i.e., ducting, drainage, concreting, pavement works, tree felling, hedge removal etc.
  • Repair and consolidation of existing bridge masonry, where necessary. The dismantled masonry will be reused as part of the proposed development.
  • Partial taking down of boundary wall, parapet wall, buttress and cut-water.
  • Extension of existing dry-span through new embankment.
  • The proposed development consists of works to a Protected Structure and its curtilage.

In accordance with Article 81(2)(ca) and 120(1B)(b)(i) of the above-mentioned regulations, Monaghan County Council, as the competent authority, has concluded from a Screening Determination, which is based on an examination of the nature, size and location of the proposed development, that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development, and as such has determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required. This Screening Determination is available for inspection, and at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks from the date of publication of this notice, any person may apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

In accordance with Article 250(1)(ca) of the above-mentioned regulations, Monaghan County Council, as the competent authority, has concluded from a Screening Determination, which is based on an assessment of best scientific knowledge, that the proposed development, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, is not likely to have a significant effect on a European site, and as such has determined that an Appropriate Assessment is not required. This Screening Determination is available for inspection, and any person may apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effect on a European site.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during office hours at the offices of Monaghan County Council, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan H18 X982 until 5pm on 22nd December 2023.

The plans and particulars of the proposed development may also be inspected online at www.monaghan.ie

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development will be situated may be made in writing to Monaghan County Council, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan H18 X982 or in electronic format via the Local Government Portal https://planning.localgov.ie/en/search/application before 5pm on 18th January 2024.

 

Signed:                                

Gareth McMahon

A/Director of Services

Monaghan County Council

Dated: 23rd November 2023