The Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to reform the electoral registration process. Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, John Paul Phelan, T.D., launched the consultation on 17 December and said the proposals are aimed at enabling people to register in simpler and more user-friendly ways. The way people register to vote or amend their details (for example, address) on the Register of Electors has not changed significantly since the foundation of the State.

There are seven main proposals:

1. Simplification of forms and the process
2. A rolling electoral register (continuous registration)
3. Optional online registration (with the option of registering with paper forms continuing) and secure self-service
4. A move to individual registration only
5. Enabling a single national electoral register database with unique identifiers
6. A move to verified identity using one’s Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
7. Data sharing between public bodies and electoral registration authorities (local authorities) to maintain accuracy and comprehensiveness

In addition, the Government is considering:

1. Allowing provisional registration for 16-17 year olds, with registration automatically becoming active on someone’s 18th birthday
2. Specific registration provision for people with no fixed address (for example, people experiencing homelessness), to ensure a standard procedure across the country
3. Provision for anonymous registration for people whose safety may be at risk if their details are public on the register (for example, where court-ordered protections exist)
4. Removal of provision for the edited register. Edited registers are used infrequently but may no longer be an appropriate use of data connected with the electoral register.

The Government believes that these proposals, if implemented, would result in:

• Registration in a way that works for everyone – online or on paper
• A clear and simple process – one form, one process, one register – all year round
• A single, secure database to enable cross-local authority checks while protecting data
• Balancing security and ease of access to protect the integrity of our registration process
• Building an electoral register that is secure, comprehensive and accurate
• Data sharing in the future – subject to clear standards, limits and safeguards

Minister Phelan said: “Reducing the number of different registration forms; allowing people to register online; and introducing a process of continuous or rolling registration would make the registration process much more user-friendly and similar to the way people interact with other State services. These changes reflect changes in how we live today.”

On the public consultation process the Minister said: “Public confidence in any reform of the electoral registration process is paramount as the system affects all of us. The outcome of this consultation process will inform the development of detailed proposals for implementation. That is why I encourage everyone to consider these proposals and have their say.”

People can read the proposals at www.registerreform.gov.ie. They can make a submission by emailing registerreform@housing.gov.ie or by post to:
Electoral Registration Project Consultation
Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government
Custom House
Dublin 1
D01 W6X0
They can also request print copies of the proposals by emailing the address above.
The deadline for sending in a submission is 15 March 2019.

All submissions (including names) will be published on the website of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (www.housing.gov.ie). All submissions are also subject to Freedom of Information requests.

Have your say on proposed reforms of the electoral registration process

Public Consultation On Electoral Registration Process English Version (MS Word Document)

Irish Public Consultation On Electoral Registration Process Irish Version (MS Word Document)

The Department of Housing has launched a public consultation on modernisation of electoral register process. The consultation process runs until 15th March 2019.

Full details are at:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/public-consultation-proposals-modernise-electoral-registration-process

Monaghan County Council

Emergency Cover arrangements for the Christmas period

The Offices of Monaghan County Council, including the offices of the Municipal District of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney, Municipal District of Ballybay-Clones, Municipal District of Monaghan will be closed from Friday, 21 December 2018 at 4:00 pm and will re-open on Monday, 31 December 2018 at 9:15am.

The Motor Taxation Office at Market Street, Monaghan will close to the public on Friday, 21 December 2018 at 3:00 pm and will re-open to the public on Monday, 31 December 2018 from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm.

The Offices will close again on Tuesday, 1^st January, 2019 and re-open on Wednesday 2^nd January, 2019 at 9:15 a.m.

In emergency cases only, the following numbers may be contacted:

Fire Service Telephone Number 999/112

Press Statement from Monaghan County Council

Following the emergence of a new sinkhole on lands owned by Gyproc, Monaghan County Council has closed the LP4900 local road at Drumgossat, Magheracloone as a precautionary measure, with immediate effect. The sinkhole measuring 9 metres in diameter is located 35 metres from the local road. Local diversions are now operating to the school and church and the road will remain closed until further notice.

The R179 Regional Road between Carrickmacross and Kingscourt is unaffected and remains open.

Monaghan County Council apologises to all local householders and businesses for the inconvenience.

Monaghan County Council has developed a Filming ‘Lookbook’ to promote Monaghan as a scenic film location hub.

Check it out here….. Monaghan Film Look Book 2018 (PDF)

• 1
• 2-3
• 4-5
• 6-7
• 8-9
• 10-11
• 12-13
• 14-15
• 16-17
• 18-19
• 20-21
• 22-23
• 24-25
• 26-27
• 28-29
• 30-31
• 32-33
• 34-35
• 36-37

Monaghan Peace Campus Funding Application Successful

Monaghan County Council is delighted to announce that it has been successful in its application for Peace IV funding from the Special EU Programmes Body to deliver the ambitious Peace Campus project. This €14.3 million project will provide, under one roof, a youth facility delivering recreational, social support and training opportunities for young people, community space for services for the whole community, a cultural heritage centre promoting shared history, and a new town library providing space and opportunities for engagement, interaction and learning.

The 3 storey building comprising of 3355 sqm of indoor community facilities & 3235 sqm of external community space has been specifically designed to create social interaction, encourage cross community engagement & enable cross border activities, and will be located at the ‘Old Machinery Yard’ site on the Plantation Road.

This project has taken over 2 years to develop and is down to the great collaboration work of Monaghan County Council, the steering committee and stakeholders including local schools, and a range of cross community groups.

For any further information regarding this project please contact Nicola Payne at Monaghan County Council 047 30500 npayne@monaghancoco.ie

Notes:

The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland.   It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA which are designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.  The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG VA, Western Scotland.  The PEACE IV Programme has a value of €270 million and aims to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.  For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu

CANCELLED: County Monaghan Joint Policing Committee Annual Public Meeting 28th November 2018

The Chair of the Joint Policing Committee, An Garda Siochana and Monaghan County Council have decided, as a mark of respect, due to the serious incident which occurred at Main Street, Castleblayney last night, the public meeting of the County Monaghan Joint Policing Committee scheduled for tonight (November 28th 2018) in the Iontas Centre has been cancelled.

A new date for the meeting will be arranged in due course.

An Garda Siochana and Monaghan County Council regret any inconvenience caused.

Monaghan County Council picks up two awards at the 2018 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards

Monaghan County Council picks up two awards at the 2018 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards ceremony held on 22 November 2018. Monaghan County  Council were shortlisted in ten out of the sixteen award categories.

Congratulations to ‘Everybody Plays – Inclusive Playground Policy’ on winning the award in the ‘Disability Services Provision’ category and ‘repairmystuff.ie’ – Ireland’s Leading Online Repair Directory’ for winning the Joint Local Authority Initiative Award. This is Monaghan County Council’s second year to win the Joint Local Authority Initiative Award having also picked up this award in 2017 for the ‘Cavan Monaghan Science Festival’ in partnership with Cavan County Council.

Congratulations also, to those involved in the other eight Monaghan County Council shortlisted projects:

-Know ME not the Stereotype  (Supporting Active Communities)

-Monaghan Comhairle na nÓg  (Health & Wellbeing)

-Refurbishment of the Carrickmacross Market House Building (Supporting Tourism)

-Monaghan Town Voucher  (Promoting Economic Development)

-Community Property Marking Scheme  (Local Authority Innovation)

-The Derryvalley Catchment Project  (Sustainable Environment)

-DRUM – Portrait of a Village  (Sustaining the Arts)

-Redevelopment of Ballybay Town Park (Outstanding Initiative through the MD’s)

For further information and a full list of all winners see: Chambers Ireland 

Save The Dates for Big Christmas Lights Switch on Events

Christmas is fast approaching and the Monaghan Town Big Christmas Lights Switch on is taking place on Sunday, 25th November from 3pm to 6pm.

Switch on events will take place in other towns in the county also;
-Castleblayney: Friday November 23rd at 7pm

-Glaslough: Friday November 23rd at 8pm

-Clones: Saturday November 24th at 6:15pm

-Carrickmacross: Friday November 30th at 6pm

Will you be attending? Get tagging on our Facebook page, those you wish to bring long!

Notice of the County Monaghan Joint Policing Committee Annual Public Meeting 2018

A public meeting of the County Monaghan Joint Policing Committee (JPC) will be held on: Wednesday, 28 November 2018, from 7pm to 9pm in the Íontas Centre, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan

The theme of the public meeting will be ‘Personal Safety & the Safety of your Property’ and will focus on the following topics:

• A presentation from Detective Sgt Brian Roberts from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau
• Monaghan Property Marking Initiative
• Crime Prevention Information
• Road Safety

Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting. The function of a JPC is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority’s administrative area. Members of the public have the right to make their views known and ask questions. Senior members of An Garda Síochána will be present on the evening to answer questions.

To facilitate the preparation of a full response to questions raised by members of the public, all questions are to be submitted in advance of the public meetings.  Questions can be taken at the meetings but full information may not be available. Questions can be forwarded in writing in advance to Mary McGarvey, Senior Staff Officer, Corporate Services, Monaghan County Council, The Glen Road, Monaghan or by email to mmgarvey@monaghancoco.ie.   Alternatively you can call 047-73749.  Questions will be accepted from any person affected by the policing of the area.  All questions should be received no later than Wednesday, 21 November 2018 and must be accompanied by a name, address and contact numbers.  These details will remain confidential.

Please note that the Joint Policing Committee may not consider matters relating to specific criminal investigation or prosecution or matters relating to the security of the State.

Be Winter Ready Campaign 2018

The annual ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign  https://www.winterready.ie/en has been launched by the National Emergency Co-ordination Committee (NECC). It offers practical advice and information on preparing for severe weather conditions over the coming months and where to get assistance.

“You, Your Community and the Winter” is the focus of this year’s initiative, with people being urged to keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours. It covers a number of areas including preparing homes, dealing with flooding, clearing snow from footpaths, keeping healthy and warm as well as driving tips in snow and icy conditions.

The NECC is warning people that during extreme weather events, everyday tasks can become more difficult and hazardous.

Be Winter Ready Booklet 2018 is Available to View in PDF Format Here (PDF)