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Press Release

21^st October 2020

Monaghan County Council Update on Level 5 Service Provision

The Government has announced that, from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, all of Ireland will be placed on Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID, for a period of 6 weeks, until Wednesday 2 December. This action is based on current public health advice and the deteriorating situation with the disease across the country.

Monaghan County Council’s Management Team have reviewed the implications of the Level 5 restrictions on the delivery of Council services and operations.

As providers of essential public services all our offices, except the Motor Tax Office, will remain open during the Level 5 restrictions. An appointments-only service will be in operation in the Motor Tax Office.

All County Council repair, maintenance and construction services will remain operational.

If you need to avail of these services please email info@monaghancoco.ie or eolas@monaghancoco.ie or by contacting us by phone at the following numbers.

Housing Emergency Repairs	047 30515	Environment	042 9661240
Housing	047 30502	Roads	047 30597
Planning	047 30532	Local Enterprise Office	047 71818
Finance	047 30589	Human Resources	047 30586
Monaghan MD	047 73777	Motor Tax	047 81175
Ballybay Clones MD	047 51018	Carrickmacross Castleblayney MD	042 9661236

 

Monaghan County Council appeal to the public, in the interests of minimising face to face contact, please use the email and phone contacts provided and avail of our online services at www.monaghan.ie

All public libraries in the county are currently closed to the public but e-services are available. A library delivery service is also available to those who are cocooning or in self-isolation. The service can be accessed by contacting your local branch library.

Monaghan County Council’s Covid -19 Community Helpline remains available and can be contacted at 1800 804 158 or covidsupport@monaghancoco.ie.

Monaghan County Museum and the Market House in Monaghan will also be closed to the public, in line with Government Advice for indoor cultural venues.

Public playgrounds and parks in the county will remain open to the public. We urge users of these facilities to ensure compliance with HSE guidelines on social distancing and hand-sanitizing.

The response to this situation from our community and voluntary sector has been overwhelming and Monaghan County Council would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support in these challenging times.

For accurate and up-to-date information on coronavirus, please consult the Health Service Executive’s website at https://www.hse.ie/coronavirus

Media Release – North East Major Emergency Management Interagency Group

An Urgent Appeal to the Citizens of Cavan and Monaghan – We need to Stop the Spread of Covid – We MUST take Action Today

From the HSE. Gardai and Cavan and Monaghan County Councils

In the last 14 days we have seen a rapid increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 in Cavan and Monaghan.

In the 14 days to 14^th of October there were:
·        487 new positive cases in Cavan and 215 in Monaghan.
·        The 14-Day incidence rate of Covid-19 nationally now stands at 206.7 cases per 100,000 of the population.  For Cavan this rate is 639.3 and Monaghan it is 350.2 cases per 100,000.

From 12^th to 15^th of October 1,699 people have been tested for Covid in Testing Centres in Cavan and Monaghan with a positivity rate of 18% in Cavan and 15% in Monaghan.  The national average testing positivity rate is currently 6.5%. This means community transmission of the virus is much higher in Cavan and Monaghan.

Cavan and Monaghan have now moved to the level 4 alert on the Living with Covid-19 Plan.  We realise this is a very worrying time for our communities, businesses and our Health Services but every single citizen must now commit to doing everything possible to stop the spread of the virus.

The HSE, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils and an Garda Síochána are working together through emergency management structures to co-ordinate the community response to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Today they are issuing an urgent appeal to the people of Cavan and Monaghan to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Dr Augustine, Pereira, Director of Public Health Medicine in the North East explained that we need everyone to act now to reduce the spread of the virus along the border counties.

Dr Pereira added: “Here are the actions I am now asking everyone to take:

·        Keep your number of contacts to an absolute minimum. This is very important.  The virus likes people coming together – you must not give it the chance to spread!
·        Keep a two metre distance from anyone that you do not live with
·        Wear a face covering and wear it correctly
·        Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
·        If you have any Covid symptoms or are feeling unwell, don’t hesitate – ring your GP and follow your GP’s advice. A Covid -19 GP consultation is free of charge. If your GP refers you for a free Covid test, then please isolate at home while you await your test and follow the guidance given. If it’s the weekend, please ring your GP Out of Hours Service and follow their advice.

Chief Superintendent for the Cavan-Monaghan Garda Division, Aidan Glacken said: “We are now in level 4 and these further restrictions are put in place to protect lives – your parents, your grandparents, your children and your life.  We need everyone to adhere to the rules, please be responsible and do everything in your power to stop the spread of this deadly virus.” We thank the public for their cooperation to date and look forward to their continued cooperation with the further restrictions now in place.  I want to emphasise that An Garda Síochána are present and working on an ongoing basis in the community and are available to assit people where necessary.  Do not hesitate to contact us.”

The Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council Eamonn O’Sullivan said: “This is a difficult time for everyone but we need to get the virus under control in the area.  If anyone needs assistance, I would ask them to call the Covid 19 Community Helpline 1800 804 158. We can get through this together, if we all do our part and adhere to the guidelines.”

The Chair of the Major Emergency Management Interagency Group, Brendan Lawlor concluded the appeal by advising that “We can turn this around by each citizen following the guidelines to protect our citizens and our Health Service.”

 

Following on from successfully picking the award for Heritage and Built Environment for ‘The Monaghan Spitfire – Life on the Border with a World at War’ Exhibit at the 2019 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, Monaghan County Council is again delighted to be shortlisted in 6 award categories in the 2020 Awards.

The Excellence in Local Government Awards 2020 (ELG Awards), sponsored by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within local government that can often go unrecognised.

The Awards highlight the important work that is carried out by local authorities for the benefit of local communities.

Monaghan County Council has been shortlisted in 6 of the 16 categories:

The 6 shortlisted projects are:

Category	Project
Promoting Sustainable Communities	Clones Town Team
Best Practice in Citizen Engagement	Council & Community Collaboration in Scotshouse Village
Health & Wellbeing	An Understanding of Romantic Relationships in Young People in Co Monaghan
Supporting Tourism	Sliabh Beagh Masterplan
Sustaining the Arts	The Patrick Kavanagh Exhibition & Multipurpose Performance venue
Initiative through the Municipal Districts	Recreational Developments at Rossmore Forest Park

 

Councillor Colm Carthy, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, commented, ‘Monaghan may be a small county but we punch way above our weight when it comes to community involvement and initiatives. The work carried out by the people of this county, supported by the staff and elected representatives of Monaghan County Council, continues to impress me on a daily basis and, to get national recognition for that work is icing on the cake. We have some very strong entries in this years competition and I look forward to, hopefully, welcoming news of an award or two coming our way at the end of November.’

Eamonn O’Sullivan, Chief Executive, added, “Following on from our success at the 2019 Awards and indeed in previous years, Monaghan County Council has again performed very well in this year’s awards scheme and we are delighted to have six separate initiatives shortlisted for the 2020 Excellence in Local Government Awards.  The projects nominated highlight the diverse range of services provided by the Local Authority to the people of Monaghan and the proactive engagement with our communities and citizens.  These projects help to strengthen our communities and support businesses and individuals.”

This year, the awards ceremony will be held online and will be hosted by Mary Kennedy on Thursday, 26 November 2020.  Awards will be presented for excellence in 16 different categories and one Local Authority will be awarded the overall award and named Local Authority of the Year 2020.

…

Monaghan Community Response Forum meets – 12th October 2020.

The Monaghan Covid Community Response Forum met on Monday 12th October to consider and co-ordinate a community-wide response to the changing situation in the county. Chaired by Monaghan County Council Chief Executive, Eamonn O’Sullivan, over twenty representatives from groups and organisations across the county came together through the virtual meeting.

The meeting was updated on the evolving situation in Monaghan by the HSE, the Gardai, the County Council and other Forum members involved in delivering the community response to the Covid crisis.

Messages coming from the meeting included:

• All evidence is that the vast majority of the population is doing the right thing, with a small minority not doing so.
• People continue to abide by HSE messages promoting positive actions.
• The HSE test operation in the county has increased capacity and hours of operation recently and is well on top in managing the demand for tests. On-site testing is also taking place at food production plants and residential care centres in the county on a monthly basis.
• People using single use masks should dispose of them appropriately after one use. Multiple use masks should be washed after each use.
• Operation Fanacht from An Garda Siochana is operating country-wide and people are asked not to leave their county of residence.
• Any journeys made, should be assessed, asking, “Is this journey essential?”.
• The Gardai remain available to assist vulnerable people in the county and as always, any victims of crime should not hesitate to contact the Gardai.
• The Monaghan County Council Library Service continues to operate its delivery and collection of books service, call 047 74712.
• Since the beginning of April, the Monaghan Covid Helpline has received over 750 calls for assistance and remains available, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

The meeting finished by strongly emphasizing the need to promote a positive mental health message for all people in the county. It is acknowledged that we are all experiencing difficult times but it is important to emphasise the need to look after your own and family members mental health.

During times of stress, friends and families can be a good source of support. It is important to keep in touch with them and other people in your life. If you need to restrict your movements or self-isolate, try to stay connected to people in other ways.
For further information visit the HSE website at: https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/covid-19/minding-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html

The Samaritans are also available by calling 116 123. It’s free and available 24 hours / 365 days.

 

Contact Monaghan Helpline by:

Phone: 1800 804 158

Email: covidsupport@monaghancoco.ie

Text: Text HELP Followed by your name to 50555

and if possible please have your Eircode to hand.

Helpline is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Businesses can get listed by registering for free on RepairMyStuff.ie

For many, purchasing a new pc or new washing machine when an old one breaks is the norm. However, repair and reuse is

often a cheaper and most certainly a more environmentally sustainable option.

Businesses can get listed by registering for free at repairmystuff.ie/register

For more information email repair@monaghancoco.ie

Press Release
6th October 2020
Monaghan County Council update on moving to Level 3 under Ireland’s Plan for Living with COVID-19

The government has decided from midnight tonight, 6th October, all remaining counties will be placed on Level 3 under the Plan for Living with COVID-19, until midnight on 27th October 2020, at which point the situation will be reviewed by the government, based on the status of the virus and public health advice.

Monaghan County Council’s Management Team have reviewed the implications of the new measures on the delivery of Monaghan County Council’s essential services and operations.

With the exception of the Motor Taxation Office which is temporarily closed, Monaghan County Council’s public offices will remain open throughout the duration of Level 3 restrictions. While public office opening hours remain unchanged, we would urge customers, as much as possible, to continue to conduct their business with the Council via email to info@monaghancoco.ie or eolas@monaghancoco.ie or by contacting us by phone at the following numbers:

Housing Emergency Repairs 047 30515

Environment 042 9661240

Housing 047 30502

Roads 047 30597

Planning 047 30532

Local Enterprise Office 047 71818

Finance 047 30589

Human Resources 047 30586

Monaghan MD 047 73777

Motor Tax 047 81175

Ballybay Clones MD 047 51018

Carrickmacross Castleblayney MD 042 9661236

 

With effect from Wednesday 7th October, all public libraries in the county will be closed to the public. However, the library service will revert to the ‘Contact & Collect’ service model. A home delivery service will also be available for those who are cocooning, self-isolating or restricting their movements. Monaghan County Museum and the Arts Office at the Market House, Monaghan will also be closed to the public.

Public playgrounds and parks in the county will remain open. Users of playground facilities are required to ensure compliance with HSE guidelines on social distancing and hand-sanitizing.

The response to this situation from our community and voluntary sector has been overwhelming and Monaghan County Council would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support in these challenging times.

For accurate and up-to-date information on coronavirus, please consult the Health Service Executive’s website at https://www.hse.ie/coronavirus

Monaghan County Council
info@monaghancoco.ie

Press Release: 1^st October 2020

Monaghan County Council – Motor Tax Office Temporary Closure

 

Monaghan County Council regret to advise that the Motor Tax office located at Market Street, Monaghan is temporarily closed to the public until further notice

 

The temporary closure is a necessary precautionary measure, taken in the interests of our customers and staff, due to a member of the Motor Tax staff testing positive for Covid 19.

The Motor Tax Service can still be accessed via:

–               www.motortax.ie (except new or newly purchased goods vehicles, vehicle conversions and trailers)

–               the postal service, Market Street, Monaghan H18 D721

–               front door post box front door facility, Market Street, Monaghan H18 D721,

–               by email motortax@monaghancoco.ie

Monaghan County Council will issue further notification on the resumption of normal services as soon as possible.

Monaghan County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.

For accurate and up-to-date information on coronavirus, please consult the Health Service Executive’s website at https://www.hse.ie/coronavirus

Democracy and Change
The 1920 Local Elections in Ireland
Commemorative Booklet

1920 Local Elections Commemorative Booklet Irish (PDF)

1920 Local Elections Commemorative Booklet English (PDF)