Dréachtscéim na Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin
Tá Scéim Gaeilge á hullmhú ag Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin de réir Alt 11 d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. Moltar go leanfaidh an Scéim go ceann trí bliana go 2023.
Go príomha is í cuspóir Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla ná a chinntiú go mbeidh teacht ar sheirbhísí poiblí ardchaighdeáin as Gaeilge. Táthar ag súil go dtógfaidh an scéim nua ar an dul chun cinn déanta ag Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin ónár gcéad scéim a sholáthraigh seirbhísí as Gaeilge.
Chun a bheith páirteach
Tá Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin ag lorg aighneachtaí uathu siúd a bhfuil suim acu san Scéim nua á hullmhú. Seol na haighneachtaí, is fearr formáid leictreonach, roimh an dáta
Dáta deiridh le cur isteach Dé hAoine 3 Meán Fómhair 2020
Draft Irish Language Scheme, Monaghan County Council
Monaghan County Council is preparing an Irish language Scheme in accordance with Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003. It is proposed that this Scheme will run for three years until 2023.
The primary objective of the Official Languages Act is to ensure better availability and a higher standard of public services through Irish. It is anticipated that the new Scheme will build on the progress made by Monaghan County Council from the first language scheme delivering services through Irish.
How to get involved
Monaghan County Council now wishes to invite representations in relation to the preparation of the new Scheme from all interested parties. Written submissions, preferably in electronic format, should be sent by date TBC
Restart Grant Plus will help businesses reopen – Tánaiste
Up to €25,000 available to help businesses re-open, get people back to work
Monday, 10th August The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar T.D. today opened applications to the Restart Grant Plus Scheme, which gives grants to businesses to help them reopen.
The Restart Grant Plus is a key part of the government’s July Stimulus package, a €7.4bn package of measures designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of Covid-19.
Speaking today, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said:
“We must do everything we can to help businesses reopen and get people back to work. We are increasing the Restart Grant Plus, which means that small and medium sized businesses can now get between €4,000 and €25,000 to help them get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time.
“Hairdressers, sports clubs, cafes, restaurants and several other businesses can use this money to help with the costs associated with re-opening and adapting to what is a very different environment. This is just one of several actions the Government is taking as part of the July Stimulus to help businesses.”
If you have already received the ReStart Grant you will get an email from Monaghan County Council with a link to a declaration form, you do not need to apply again.
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;
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monaghan County Council – Customer Service Desks have Reopened
Further to the Governments Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Monaghan County Council is pleased to advise that all Public Counters and Customer Service Points throughout the county re-opened on the 29th June. While all public counters will be open, Monaghan County Council request customers to observe the 2m social distancing guidance and use the hand sanitising facilities in place at each of the customer service points.
Customers should, as much as possible, continue to conduct their business with the Council by emailing info@monaghancoco.ie or eolas@monaghancoco.ie or 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’s Motor Tax office also reopened on 29th June, with reduced public opening hours. The Motor Tax Office hours are from 9:30am to 12:30pm, Monday to Friday. Monaghan County Council’s Motor Tax Office wish to thank our customers for moving in such numbers to online renewals and encourage more customers to use the online facilities.
Monaghan Library, Carrickmacross Library and Clones Library also opened their doors for browsing, borrowing and limited internet access/printing on 29th June. The libraries will reopen from 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday and Monday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.
While Monaghan County Council is delighted to be have re-opened our customer service facilities, in line with Government phased reopening, we all have to continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading. Continuing to adhere to public health advice will determine whether we continue to move forward, as one community, to the remaining phase.
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 wishes to advise Ratepayers that if they have had to temporarily close or significantly curtail operations during the COVID-19 response period they should contact their local Revenue Collector immediately in relation to any rates payments falling due in the period to end June. Monaghan County Council is committed to working with local businesses and the Revenue Collectors are available to discuss any concerns that businesses have in relation to rates. Contact details for the Council’s Revenue Collectors are as follows.
Time spent outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing, but social responsibility is essential for ALL our health. When outdoors avoid close contact with others, distance yourself at least 2 metres from others, keep groups small, don’t arrange to meet with other groups and avoid areas that appear busy.
Time spent outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing, but social responsibility is essential for ALL our health. When outdoors avoid close contact with others, distance yourself at least 2 metres from others, keep groups small, don’t arrange to meet with other groups and avoid areas that appear busy.
New Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for Monaghan Local Community Development Committee
At the July meeting of Monaghan (LCDC) Local Community Development Committee, Alan Johnston was elected as the new Chairperson for a 3 year term. Alan represents the Business/Employer interests on the LCDC, he succeeds Cllr. David Maxwell in this role.
Also at the meeting Alan McCabe, active member in his own community and Member of Monaghan PPN, an existing LCDC member, was elected Vice Chairperson, succeeding Packie Kelly in the role. Alan represents the Environment Pillar on the LCDC and hopes to build on the work the LCDC have already delivered over the past 6 years.
The New Chairperson Alan Johnston had previously chaired the Monaghan Town Team since it was established in January 2016, he supported the development of the town team over the last four years. Under his leadership and direction as chairperson the Monaghan Town team has achieved many awards including Enterprising Towns and the Top Ten Foodie Destination. The Team also set up the Monaghan Town Business Awards and the very successful Monaghan Town Voucher Scheme. A special word of thanks to the local businesses of County Monaghan for supporting the voucher scheme, which is now one of the top voucher schemes in Ireland.
The Local Community Development Committee is a very important Committee in County Monaghan and was established in 2014 and have primary responsibility for co-ordinating, planning and overseeing local community development funding, such as the LEADER Rural Development Programme, the SICAP programme which aims to tackle poverty and social inclusion, the HEALTHY Ireland programme and the Community Enhancement Programme etc. The LCDC drives meaningful citizen and community engagement in the scoping, planning, delivery and evaluation of local and community development programmes; They also in collaboration with Monaghan County Council have overseen the establishment and implementation of the Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021, a 6 year strategy, roadmap for Economic and Community Development for County Monaghan.
The outgoing Chairperson Cllr. David Maxwell and Vice Chairperson, Packie Kelly, thanked the members of the LCDC and the staff of Monaghan County Council and Monaghan Integrated Development CLG for their help and support over the last three years.
The LCDC Chief Officer Fintan McPhillips and LCDC Members congratulated the new Chairperson Alan Johnston and Vice Chairperson Alan McCabe and thanked out-going Chairperson Cllr. David Maxwell for his 3 very productive years as Chairperson on Monaghan LCDC/LAG. He also thanked Packie Kelly for his work as Vice Chairperson and confirmed that he had been a stalwart member of the LCDC/LAG for the past 6 years and the end of his term on the LCDC, he had brought the coalface of Social Inclusion into the boardroom of the LCDC.
SERVICES
Drinking water is sometimes tested for the presence of metals.
