COVID19 Emergency Fund

 

The COVID 19 grant is now open for applications.  All applications to be made online only at the following link: https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/forms/covid19fund

 

This grant programme is providing grants to groups that are directly involved in the Community Call response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

It is intended that the majority of the funding allocated to each Local Authority area will be ring-fenced for grants of €1,000 or less for exceptional, once-off costs incurred by community and voluntary groups associated with the Community Call initiative

 

Monaghan County Council will distribute grants on a discretionary basis to those groups/organisations involved in the Community Call COVID-19 response locally.

 

ALL APPLICATIONS ARE TO BE MADE ONLINE BY 5pm Friday 1^st May, 2020.

Information Webinars for Volunteer Directors of Owners’ Management Companies – April 28 and May 5

For more information see HousingAgency.ie:

Contrary to media reports there have been no changes to motor tax procedures. I wish to advise the following on refunds of motor tax and non-use of a motor vehicle which pertains at the moment. Basically there has been no change whatsoever to Refunds of motor tax and declarations of non-use of a motor vehicle.

 

Refunds of Motor Tax

The position with regard to refunds of motor tax is set out below:

 

The legislation which sets out the circumstances for refunds of motor tax provides for a refund of motor tax in certain limited circumstances, where:

•the vehicle has been scrapped or destroyed,

•the vehicle has been permanently exported,

•the vehicle has been stolen and has not been recovered by the owner,

•a vehicle in respect of which a tax disc has been taken out has not been used in a public place at any time since the issue of the disc,

•the owner of the vehicle has ceased, because of illness, injury or other physical disability, to use the vehicle,

•the owner of the vehicle has ceased, because of absence from the state for business or educational purposes, to use the vehicle,

•the owner of the vehicle has ceased, because of service overseas with the Defence Forces, to use the vehicle.

 

In order to obtain a refund, there must also be a minimum of three months remaining on a disc at the time of surrender of the disc to the licensing authority.

There are no plans currently to amend the legislation to extend the grounds for the granting of a refund.

 

Non-Use of motor vehicles

I wish to advise that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road. The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, as amended, provides for a system of declaring vehicles off the road in advance for motor tax purposes. The declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office, using the following declaration:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/4df54e-declaration-of-non-use-of-a-vehicle/

 

The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.

 

Further statement from Minister Ross in relation to the Vehicle Testing, Driver Licensing, and Related Services

Published: 20 April 2020
From: Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, has announced the details of the legislative steps he has taken in support of the necessary closure of a range of Road Safety Authority services as result of the ongoing COVID 19 situation.

Under the new measures, the following have come into effect in relation to vehicle testing–

• NCT –vehicles with a test that was or will be due on or after 28 March 2020 have that test date extended by 4 months
• Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Tests (CVRT) – vehicles with a test that was or will be due on or after 28 March have that test date extended by 3 months

In addition, and in line with the arrangements previously in place for NCT certificates in relation to private cars, it will no longer be necessary to have a current Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) in order to tax a commercial vehicle. You should be able to renew your motor tax for a commercial vehicle from tomorrow, 21 April 2020, without need of a CRW.

Speaking from his home today, Minister Ross said ‘When I announced the suspension of a number of RSA services on 28 March, I said that I had asked my officials and the RSA to work on measures to extend the validity of certain documents which people would not be able to renew during the suspension period. I am happy to be able to announce today that I have signed a number of regulations to bring this into effect ‘As people will understand, because NCT facilities and driving licence offices are closed there will be no issuing of new documents – you will not be receiving a new NCT nor will you be receiving new driving licence with the new expiry date on it. if you have an out of date CRW or commercial motor tax disc, the Garda Síochána are aware of the issue and a pragmatic approach will be taken at this time, given that it is not possible to have these vehicle tests done or, in some cases, to have commercial motor tax renewed.”

‘I am pleased to see that Insurance Ireland have said that their members will treat licences and NCTs covered by these measures as valid for the extended period, and I would like to thank them for acting in the public interest at this time.’

‘Although driver licensing and vehicle testing services are suspended, motor tax renewals (whether for commercial vehicles or privately-owned cars) can, in most instances, be transacted online at www.motortax.ie. Motor tax offices are also continuing to process postal applications.’

‘These are stressful times for all of us, and I would like therefore to reassure those who have been concerned about how to renew their licence or NCT during this period that they have not been forgotten, and that their documents will continue to be recognised with the extended period of validity.’

‘Finally, I would like to reiterate that people should confine themselves to strictly necessary journeys only – it is essential that we keep up the pressure to slow the spread of COVID 19 by observing the HSE guidelines and the restrictions introduced by the Government on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer. If you do have to travel, please remember to drive safely and observe the rules of the road. While we all focus on defeating the virus, we should not lose sight of the need to take care of ourselves and other road users when driving.’

The Minister has taken the following steps in relation to driver licensing –

• • Driving licenses due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their date of expiry extended by 4 months
• Learner Permits due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their date of expiry extended by 4 months
• Driver Theory Test certificates due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months
• Certificates of Competency – issued when people pass a driving test and required when applying for a first full driving licence – due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months
• Initial Basic Training certificates for motorcycle learners due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months

The Community Call – Advice and Contact Information for Your County

The Government has issued a new leaflet with information about ‘The Community Call’ and supports available to vulnerable or isolated citizens. A print copy will be posted to each household, or it can be viewed online here: The Community Call Advice And Contact Information For Your County (PDF)

Whilst Monaghan County Council public offices are closed to the public, the Council continues to deliver the critical essential services.

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

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

 

 

The Community Call, a major initiative that links local and national government with the community and voluntary sectors, was announced today by Government.

 

The Community Call is an unprecedented mobilisation of both state and voluntary resources to combat the effects of Covid-19.

 

The purpose of the Community Call is to coordinate community activity, direct community assistance to where it is needed, and marshal the volunteering energy of the country.

 

The immediate focus is on the elderly and the most vulnerable, and mobilising rapid response in every country to make sure everyone is looked after. In the coming weeks the focus will expand to broader the wellbeing of our society and how communities can work together to help the country through the Covid-19 crisis.

 

The Community call was announced today by the Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring TD, the Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform John Paul Phelan TD, and the Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly who represented the Local Authortities. Speaking at the launch this morning, An Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD said:

 

“We are all finding it very strange to be home and to be keeping away from our family and community. But those that are vulnerable or in need of a bit of help need to know that they are not alone. The government is tapping into the reach of our local authorities in every corner of Ireland as well as the extraordinary dedication of a legion of voluntary groups and charities. For those who need some help, it is there for you.”

 

Speaking at today’s event, Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, praised the outstanding contribution of the community and voluntary sector to the national effort to address the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

 

“Since the very start of this emergency, the community and voluntary sector has been working on the ground and also at national level with my Department, to prepare for the Community Response which we are outlining today.  One of our greatest assets in this country is the strength of our local, community and voluntary networks”, the Minister said.

 

“We are now asking that those networks – formal and informal – be mobilised so that everyone in our communities can look after each other.  If your neighbours or relatives are required to stay at home – check with them to see if they need supports.  And if you are in that category yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help – whether it’s with shopping, fuel delivery, collecting medicines or any other necessities of daily life.  The Local Authority helpline is there as a safety net, to ensure that everyone is looked after.”

 

For more information, go to Gov.ie

At National level, Community Call will be overseen by a group from the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Health, and the County and City Management Association.

 

The Community Call will be overseen and managed locally by our Local Authorities, led by the county Chief Executives.  The CEOs, the most senior public official in every county, have been tasked with making this work, and are leading a dedicated community Forum in each county to coordinate and connect the wide range of services and supports that area available.  The forum involves an extensive list of state and voluntary organisations.  A dedicated phone line is now operational in every county, details at. gov.ie and the national number 0818 222 024 is also now in operation.

 

The following is the list of each local authority’s helpline phone numbers.

 

Local Authority Community Response Number

Carlow County Council- 1800 814 300

Cavan County Council- 1800 300 404

Clare County Council- 1890 252 943

Cork City Council- 1800 222 226

Cork County Council- 1800 805 819

Donegal County Council- 1800 928 982

Dublin City Council- 01 222 8555

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council- 01 271 3199

Fingal County Council- 01 890 5000

Galway City Council-  1800 400 150

Galway County Council- 1800 928 894 and 091 509 390

Kerry County Council- 1800 807 009

Kildare County Council 045 980 202

Kilkenny County Council- 1800 500 000

Laois County Council- 1800 832 010

Leitrim County Council-  071 965 0473

Limerick City & County Council- 1800 832 005

Longford County Council-  043 334 4255

Louth County Council- 1800 805 817

Mayo County Council- 094 906 4660

Meath County Council- 1800 808 809

Monaghan County Council- 1800 804 158

Offaly County Council- 1800 818 181

Roscommon County Council- 1800 200 727

Sligo County Council- 1800 292 765

South Dublin County Council- 01 414 9043

Tipperary County Council- 076 106 5000

Waterford City and County Council- 1800 250 185

Westmeath County Council- 1800 805 816

Wexford County Council- 053 919 6000

Wicklow County Council-  1800 868 399

 

Issued by the Government Press Office

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)

Community Call: Monaghan County Council takes the lead in joining together local organisations to assist citizens during Covid-19

Dedicated community support helpline to be available from Tuesday 31^st March

At the instigation of Minister Murphy a Covid-19 Community Response Forum will be put in place for each City/County and co-ordinated by the Local Authority in each case.

A dedicated community support helpline will be established in County Monaghan to assist at risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency. The confidential phoneline service is being established by the new COVID-19 Monaghan Community Response Forum, which includes over a dozen agencies and organisations. The role of the Forum is to ensure that there is a co-ordinated community response and to enable all voluntary statutory agencies to collaborate in support of our communities and particularly of our most vulnerable members.

Included in the COVID-19 Monaghan Community Call are:

• Monaghan County Council
• Health Service Executive
• Community Champion
• An Post
• Community Welfare Service
• An Garda Síochána
• Tusla
• Local Volunteer Centre
• Local Development Companies
• Red Cross
• Civil Defence
• GAA
• IFA
• Public Participation Network
• Age Friendly Network
• Local Link
• Citizen’s Information
• Alone
• Migrant Forum
• Religious Organisations

 

The new phoneline is just one aspect of the Forum’s work. Its core aim is contributing to the community-wide effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Monaghan County Council, through this group, will ensure that the wide variety of groups working across the county to assist those in need, will do so in an organised, collaborative and targeted way.  The Council’s COVID-19 Community Response Forum is there to ensure the very best use of the many resources assisting vulnerable persons with their daily needs at this unprecedented time, whether that is collecting medication, food shopping, social support and contact.

Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Eamonn O’Sullivan, explains “There are a number of agencies currently doing excellent work in delivering care to older and vulnerable people in our communities. These groups are currently operating independently of each other and Monaghan County Council’s role is to provide a targeted, integrated and coordinated approach to the delivery of these much needed services to our more vulnerable citizens across the County during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Monaghan County Council is ideally placed both statutorily and regionally to channel this great work and provide the governance structure in partnership with all stakeholders.  This public health crisis has changed life for so many, and we are there to help with that change.  Our own staff whose day-jobs have changed due to this crisis, will be a key resource in the management and operation of this community support programme along with our partner agencies/groups. Set to come into effect from Tuesday 31^st March, Monaghan County Council is providing a dedicated FREE contact number 1 800 804 158 with the lines open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.”

Contact details of this new service will be promoted on www.monaghan.ie. An information leaflet including the new freephone number and other information will be distributed around the county, particularly to vulnerable households, over the coming days.

Any other queries regarding COVID-19 can be sent to covidsupport@monaghancoco.ie

Privacy notice – Community Response Helpline

 

 

 

Contact by:

Phone on: 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.

 

 

Press Release: 29^th March 2020: Monaghan County Council Update Regarding Service Provision

Following the statement by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar on Friday 27th March, announcing the new enhanced measures to tackle COVID 19, 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.

 

All of Monaghan County Council’s public offices are now closed until 12^th April 2020 or until we are notified otherwise by central Government.

 

Monaghan County Council will continue to deliver the critical essential services, 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

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