Archive

Monaghan County Council

Review of Special Speed Limits (Housing Estates) Bye-Laws for County Monaghan.

Monaghan County Council is currently reviewing and updating the 30 km/h Special Speed Limits (Housing Estates) Bye-Laws for County Monaghan.

The Transportation Dept. wish to invite submissions and suggestions from the public and interested groups for additional housing estates to be considered for inclusion in the new updated byelaw.

For information, the current Speed Limit Bye-Laws can be viewed on the Council’s website www.monaghancoco.ie by using the following link: https://monaghan.ie/roadtransport/special-speed-limits/

Submissions or comments relating to the 30 km/h Special Speed Limits (Housing Estates) Bye-Laws review may be made in writing to the Transportation Department, Monaghan County Council, M- TEK II, Knockaconny, Armagh Road, Monaghan Town; or emailed to Roads@monaghancoco.ie to arrive not later than 5pm on 6th August 2021.

Submissions/Comments should be headed: “Special Speed Limits (Housing Estates) Bye-Laws” Respondents making submissions should note that Monaghan County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the Data Protection Act 2018.

G. Mc Mahon
A/ Senior Engineer, Transportation

Temporary Closing of Road

Monaghan County Council gives notice to close the following road in the Municipal District of Carrickmacross/Castleblayney in County Monaghan:

Dates and Times: Monday 26^th July 2021 to Thursday 29th of July 2021 (08.00hrs – 18.00hrs)

To Facilitate: Road Resurfacing Works at O’Neill St/Castle St Carrickmacross.

Road Closed: R 179-6 in the townland Drummond Otra of Co. Monaghan.

Diversion Route:

Traffic wishing to travel to Dundalk via O Neill St/Castle St will be directed via Main St R927-3 to the R927-4 taking 3rd exit from the roundabout onto the R178-7 and continue to Dundalk.

Traffic wishing to travel to R179-6 Cullaville/Crossmaglen via O Neill St/Castle St will be diverted via LS8510-0 (Rockdaniel Rd).

All detours will be signposted to direct traffic.

This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993 (Section 75)

Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer, Roads and Transportation
15^th July 2021

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Temporary Closing of Road

Monaghan County Council gives notice of Intention to close the following road in the Municipal District of Carrickmacross/Castleblayney in County Monaghan:

Date and Times: Monday 2^nd August 2021 to Thursday 5th August 2021 (08.00 am – 18.00 pm)

To Facilitate: Road Resurfacing Works at Farney St/New St/Bath St/ Carrickmacross.

Road Closed: R 178-6 in the townland Drummond Otra of Co. Monaghan.

Diversion Route:

Traffic wishing to travel to Main St Carrickmacross from Cullaville/Crossmaglen the R179-6 will be directed via R178-6 Dundalk Rd taking 3rd exit from the roundabout onto the R927-4. At the T- Junction turn right onto the R927-3 and continue to Main St.

Traffic wishing to travel to Main St Carrickmacross from Dundalk R178-6 will be directed via 1st exit from the roundabout onto the R927-4. At the T- Junction turn right onto the R927-3 and continue to Main St.

All detours will be signposted to direct traffic.

Any interested person may lodge an objection to the closing of the above-mentioned road with the A/Senior Engineer, Monaghan County Council, MTEK-II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan not later than Tuesday 20^th July 2021.  Any objections must be clearly marked on envelope “Objection to Road Closure”.

If you have any queries concerning this Road Closure please contact The Municipal District of Carrickmacross/Castleblayney, Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan at (042) 9661236 or email carrickmacross@monaghancoco.ie

Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer, Roads and Transportation
15^th of July 2021

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Monaghan County Council

Review of Special Speed Limits (Housing Estates) Bye-Laws for County Monaghan

Monaghan County Council is currently reviewing and updating the 30 km/h Special Speed Limits (Housing Estates) Bye-Laws for County Monaghan.

The Transportation Department wish to invite submissions and suggestions from the public and interested groups for additional housing estates to be considered for inclusion in the new updated bye-law.

For information, the current Speed Limit Bye-Laws can be viewed on the Council’s website www.monaghancoco.ie by using the following link:

https://monaghan.ie/roadtransport/special-speed-limits/

Submissions or comments relating to the 30 km/h Special Speed Limits (Housing Estates) Bye-Laws review may be made in writing to the Transportation Department, Monaghan County Council, M- TEK II, Knockaconny, Armagh Road, Monaghan Town; or emailed to roads@monaghancoco.ie to arrive not later than 5pm on 6^th August 2021.

Submissions/Comments should be headed: “Special Speed Limits (Housing Estates) Bye-Laws.” Respondents making submissions should note that Monaghan County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Gareth McMahon
A/ Senior Engineer, Roads and Transportation
15^th July 2021

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Monaghan County Council

Review of Road Traffic Special Speed Limits (Regional & Local Roads) Byelaws for County Monaghan

Monaghan County Council is currently reviewing and updating the Special Speed Limits (Regional & Local) Bye-Laws for County Monaghan.

The Transportation Department wish to invite submissions and suggestions from the public and interested groups regarding speed limits on Regional & Local Roads within Co. Monaghan to be considered for inclusion in the new updated bye-law.

For information, the current Speed Limit Bye-Laws can be viewed on the Council’s website www.monaghancoco.ie by using the following link:

https://monaghan.ie/roadtransport/special-speed-limits/

Submissions or comments relating to the  Special Speed Limits (Regional & Local Roads) Bye-Laws review may be made in writing to the Transportation Department, Monaghan County Council, M- TEK II, Knockaconny, Armagh Road, Monaghan Town; or emailed to roads@monaghancoco.ie to arrive not later than 5pm on 6^th August 2021.

Submissions/Comments should be headed: “Special Speed Limits (Regional & Local Roads) Bye-Laws.” Respondents making submissions should note that Monaghan County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Gareth McMahon
A/ Senior Engineer, Roads and Transportation
15^th July 2021

Notice of Passing of Resolution To Vary Basic Rate of Local Property Tax

The Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended), makes specific provision that the Elected Members of a local authority may pass a formal resolution to vary the basic rate of the Local Property Tax for their administrative area by a percentage known as the Local Adjustment Factor. Article 10 of the Local Property Tax (Local Adjustment Factor) Regulations 2014 requires a local authority that has decided to vary the basic rate of the local property tax within its administrative area to give public notice of that decision.

In pursuance of the provisions of section 20 of the FINANCE (LOCAL PROPERTY TAX) ACT 2012 (as amended), I the undersigned hereby notify the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of the passing of a resolution at a meeting of Monaghan County Council on 5th July 2021 to the effect that the basic rate of local property tax should be varied upwards by fifteen percent (15%) for the year 2022 in respect of relevant residential properties situated in the local authority’s administrative area.

Signed: Eamonn O’Sullivan
Chief Executive
Dated: 8th July 2021

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Proposes to install CCTV Cameras

Monaghan County Council proposes to install CCTV cameras on Main Street and St. Macartan Terrace in Carrickmacross Town. The purpose of this measure is to deter anti-social behaviour and prevent crime thereby providing a safer environment for the benefit of the whole community.

It is proposed to install 24 CCTV cameras at 8 locations throughout the Town Centre, all of which has been agreed with An Garda Síochána.

Plans and particulars of the proposed scheme will be available for inspection during normal office hours (9.30am- 4.30pm) at Carrickmacross Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.

Carrickmacross CCTV – Download Public Consultation PDF here >>

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed scheme may be made in writing to:

Mr. Damien Thornton,
Carrickmacross Civic Offices,
Riverside Road,
Carrickmacross,
Co. Monaghan
A81 RY22

no later than 4pm on Friday the 30^th July 2021.

Signed: Damien Thornton, Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District Co-Ordinator

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Newspaper Notice Section 38

Legislative Procedure for Traffic Calming Procedures under the Road Traffic Act 1994

Under the Road Traffic Act 1994 (As Amended) A road authority may, in the interest of the safety and convenience of road users, provide such traffic calming measures as they consider desirable in respect of public roads in their charge.

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (As Amended) of the following scheme:

Traffic Calming – R178 Shercock Rd Carrickmacross at the Townlands of Mullanarry and Derryolam.

The proposed Traffic Calming scheme will consist of:

• Installation of speed cushions.
• Installation of new road markings.
• Erection of new signage throughout the scheme.
• All associated site works.

In accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (As Amended), Monaghan County Council, as the competent roads authority has concluded that the above scheme complies with the relevant section of the legislation, based on the nature, size and location of the proposed scheme.

Plans and particulars of the proposed scheme will be available for inspection, from Thursday the 8^th of July 2021, during normal office hours (9.30am- 4.30pm) at Carrickmacross Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, please contact the above-mentioned offices, via telephone on 042 9661236 or alternatively via Email at carrickmacross@monaghancoco.ie, to arrange an appointment to view the Plans and Particulars of the proposed scheme.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed scheme may be made in writing to:

Mr. Damien Thornton,
Carrickmacross Civic Offices,
Riverside Road,
Carrickmacross,
Co. Monaghan
A81 RY22

no later than 5pm on Thursday the 6^th of August 2021.

Signed: Damien Thornton, Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District Co-Ordinator

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Temporary Closing of Road

Monaghan County Council gives notice of Intention to close the following road in the Municipal District of Carrickmacross Castleblayney in County Monaghan:

Dates and Times: Monday 26^th July 2021 to Thursday 29th of July 2021 (08.00hrs – 18.00hrs)

To Facilitate: Road Resurfacing Works at O’Neill St/Castle St Carrickmacross.

Road Closed: R 179-6 in the townland Drummnnd Otra of Co. Monaghan.

Diversion Route:

Traffic Wishing to Travel to Dundalk via O Neill St/Castle St will be directed via Main St R927-3 to the R927-4 taking 3rd exit from the roundabout onto the R178-7 and continue to Dundalk.

Traffic Wishing to Travel to R179-6 Cullaville/Crossmaglen via O Neill St/Castle St will be diverted via LS8510-0 (Rockdaniel Rd)

All detours will be signposted to direct traffic.

Any interested person may lodge an objection to the closing of the above mentioned roads with the Head of Roads, Monaghan County Council, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan not later than Tuesday 13^th July 2021.  Any objections must be clearly marked on envelope “Objection To Road Closure”.

This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993 (Section 75)

Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
8^th July 2021

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In the course of 2021, Imagine have extended availability of its high-speed broadband network to cover over 17,100 premises across Co. Monaghan. This will soon include extending availability from Ballybay, Clontibret to Monaghan to Glaslough and many townlands in between. Next week from Monday July 12th to Friday 16th Imagine teams will be in these areas testing homes and businesses before maps are finalized and the network goes live. To register your interest for a test, simply send your Eircode with a contact name, number and email by WhatsApp or SMS to 087 3389945 or email monaghan@imaginegroup.ie .

They can quickly confirm if your Eircode is in coverage for high-speed broadband. If your Eircode is outside normal expected coverage Imagine will arrange an individual test at your premises with specialist equipment or advise when coverage will be extended to your area.

Broadband Officer, John McArdle noted: “We have engaged with Imagine to extend their wireless infrastructure across much of the centre of the county and we are delighted with the progress being made here. I would encourage all users who require high speed broadband to contact Imagine and register their eircode. As noted earlier, this will allow engineers to advise when Imagine’s network may become available in that area. Registering your interest can make it more feasible for Imagine to extend their network further across County Monaghan.”

Public invited to participate in new survey examining driving behaviors and attitudes to Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The FASTER Project, bringing increased access to high-speed Electric Vehicle charging points, is inviting the public to tell us about their travel patterns and needs, by completing a short survey, available at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FasterEVs

Recent weeks and months have seen significant media and public interest in the growing numbers of Battery Electric and Hybrid vehicles on roads across Monaghan. EV sales have seen record increases in the first six months of 2021 and as governments across the globe are uniting in their efforts to tackle carbon emissions and climate change, future trends predict this growth will continue as sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles are phased out.

A recently announced €6.4 million EU INTERREG VA funded project led by, East Border Region Ltd with partners including South West College, University of Ulster, Sligo IT and Dundalk IT, will help reduce the impact of fossil fuels and transport emissions through the delivery of 73 new publicly accessible rapid charging points across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Border Region to support drivers as they make the switch to electric vehicles. Match-funding for the project has also been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department for Transport in Ireland, as well as HITRANS and the University of Strathclyde.

The FASTER [Facilitating a Sustainable Transition to EVs in the Region] Project is currently working with Monaghan County Council to identify suitable locations in the county for this vital infrastructure which will be installed on a rolling basis over the next 6 to 18 months.

Underlining the importance of the project Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which manages the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, said:

“As the effects of climate change increase dramatically we need to invest seriously in measures which will cut carbon emissions. Electric vehicles represent a more eco-friendly form of transport which will have a reduced impact on the environment.

“This new EU-funded project has been specifically designed to remove some of the obstacles that have previously discouraged people from choosing electric vehicles. It also represents one of the core objectives of the INTERREG VA Programme, which supports sustainable transport, on a cross-border basis.”

East Border Region Chairman Cllr Kyle Savage added “EBR are delighted to be Lead Partner on this innovative and genuinely cross-border project which will see essential Electric Vehicle infrastructure installed across the three jurisdictions. Electric Vehicles are an essential strategy in the immediate term to reduce local emissions and help improve local air quality.”

While estimates suggest that up to 80% of charging will take place at the homes of EV owners, the number of chargers currently available for public use is widely regarded as one of the key obstacles for those drivers considering the move to a more sustainable vehicle. The FASTER Project will deliver effective solutions to help overcome this barrier and will educate drivers as to their electric vehicle options and the benefits they can bring.

The FASTER Project partnership in collaboration with Transport Research Partnership is now calling on the public to participate in a short survey which will examine the current travel needs and behaviors of vehicle users across Monaghan. This survey will identify preferences on vehicle ownership, fuel choice, the types of journeys drivers are making daily and will explore the factors & influences which are leading the shift towards electric vehicles.

The public survey is available online until Tuesday 20th July and can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FasterEVs

‘Outdoor Seating & Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business’ Scheme Traditional Pubs Now Eligible to Apply

The ‘Outdoor Seating & Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business’ scheme is being delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities across the country. The Scheme will
provide funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own outdoor seating capacity for the summer of 2021. This scheme will financially assist and support independent tourism and hospitality business owners to create outdoor dining experiences in a regulated and accessible manner. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses.

The scheme is open to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, public houses or other tourism and hospitality business establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises. As of 14th June 2021, the scheme has been extended to include traditional pubs. Eligibility is dependent on commercial rates due in respect of premises having been paid for the period up to 31st December 2019 or a payment plan being in place with the Local Authority.

The scheme will provide for up to 75% of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased/installed with a maximum allowable contribution of up to €4,000 per applicant. Expenditure incurred on upgrades to outdoor dining spaces including but not limited to: tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands, wooden platforms, etc. are considered eligible for the scheme. Tables, chairs, or other furniture shall be of robust and stable construction to prevent movement in adverse weather conditions and be agreed with Monaghan County Council. Monaghan County Council has the right to use its discretion in regard to its process and the development of appropriate terms and conditions that are appropriate for our respective streetscapes, businesses etc.

All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative requirements and other compliance requirements.
Expenditure must be incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021 and payment will be made by Local Authorities to approved applicants on submission of receipts and photography of furniture in situ.

The scheme is open for applications until 30th September 2021. Further information on the ‘Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Scheme’ can be found at https://monaghan.ie/outdoor-seating-accessories-for-tourismhospitality-business-scheme/

Or by emailing: Dympna Condra, Tourism Officer, dcondra@monaghancoco.ie

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Public Alert: Mains Flushing to Lough Egish Regional Water Supply Scheme Irish Water and Monaghan County Council

Monaghan County Council on behalf of Irish Water wish to advise customers that Water Mains Flushing will take place from Monday 5th July 2021 to Friday 30th July 2021, on the Lough Egish Regional Water Supply Scheme.

The following areas will be affected: Carrickatee, Carrickavelty, Tossy, Loughmore, Lough Egish, Reduff, Tullynenegish, Tullynamalra, Cooltrimegish, Knocktornagh, Brackley, Tullynahenira, Lisduff, Greagh, Drumhowan, Carrickinaire, Carnaveagh, Aughnamullan, Shantonagh, Corwillian, Corkeenan, Corfad, Rockcorry, Anny, Derryvalley, Kinnagin, Annaglare, Bree, Castleblayney Town Centre Muckno Street, Dublin road Castleblayney, Monaghan road Castleblayney, Cremartin, Annyalla, Latton Clontibret Village, Rackwallace, Scotch Corner, Clerran, Castleshane and surrounding environs.
Mains flushing is undertaken to improve the quality of water supplied to our customers. Customers in areas where flushing will take place will notice a temporary discolouration to their water but this discolouration will clear when allowed to run for a few minutes.

Customers may also experience reduced pressure and interruptions to their supply for the duration of these works. We regret any inconvenience caused.

Signed: Peadar Mc Guinness, Head of Water Services
1st July 2021

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Ulster Canal Greenway Phase 3 – Smithborough to Clones

Following the completion of feasibility and constraints studies and as part of the ongoing development of the Ulster Canal Greenway, Monaghan County Council have engaged consultants Clandillon Civil Consulting to carry out the Route Selection and Environmental Evaluations for Phase 3 of the Ulster Canal Greenway between Smithborough and Clones. The environmental studies, which will consist initially of an ecological walkover survey of the study area, will commence imminently. These surveys will be non-intrusive and will be carried out by, Monaghan based ecological consultants, Flynn Furney.

All members of the ecologist’s team will carry identification and be fully insured to carry out their work. Public consultation in respect of the preferred route corridor will be progressed over the course of the summer at a date and location to be confirmed.
Please contact 047 51018 for any further information.

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Temporary Closing of Roads

Monaghan County Council gives notice to close the following road in the Municipal District of Ballybay-Clones in County Monaghan:

Date: Monday 12th July 2021 to Monday 09th August 2021
To Facilitate: Bridge Rehabilitation Works.
Roads Closed: L-22632-0 in the townland of Killynenagh Co. Monaghan
Diversion Route: Traffic wishing to travel on the L-22632 from the townland of Magherashaghry in the direction of the townland of Coppanagh/Lisarney will be diverted onto the L-2262, then turning left on to the L-22621, then turning left on to the L-6280, then continuing on the L-6008. Traffic wishing to travel on the L-22632 from the townland of Coppanagh/Lisarney to the townland of Magherashaghry will be diverted by remaining on the L-6008, then continuing on the L-6280, then turning right on to the L-22621, then turning right on to the L-2262.

All Detours will be signposted to direct the traffic. (L-22632 Local Access only, no through road at the Bridge Works). This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993(Section 75)

Signed: Gareth McMahon, A/Senior Engineer. Roads and Transportation. 1st July 2021

Monaghan County Council recently passed a motion to provide Communication Boards to be installed in playgrounds/parks throughout County Monaghan. A communication board is a device that displays photos, symbols, or illustrations to help people with limited language skills express themselves. The user can gesture, point to, or blink at images to communicate with others.  To progress this initiative  we are rolling out a consultation to get some feedback from parents, children  and service providers on how they would like to see this project delivered.

Monaghan County Council Communication Board Consultation PDF

 

 

 

National Recreation Week 3rd – 10th July. Providing kits full of giant versions of popular games, so communities, youth clubs etc can run fun days in an outside environment, per covid rules.

The kits can be borrowed free of charge from Monaghan libraries. Booking is essential.

Let’s Play the Old Way, is aimed at young children and involves playing old games. Have a look at the old games in this play booklet by Monaghan Sports Partnership – starting on page 10’ Link: www.monaghansports.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lets-Play-Monaghan-Games-Activity-Booklet.pdf

Issued 28 June 2021 – As the Irish staycation season is set to enter its busiest period over July and August, Irish Water in partnership with Monaghan County Council is urging the public to conserve water to ensure a consistent supply for all during this busy time.

Irish Water is predicting an increase in domestic and commercial demand for water over the coming months and customers are asked to take some simple measures to conserve water in their homes, their businesses and on their farms.

Small changes can have lasting results. For example:

• Take a shorter shower and save up to 10 litres of water per minute
• Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
• When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
• Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden
• Avoid using paddling pools
• In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
• If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
• Report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278

Peter Gallagher, Asset Operations Lead for Irish Water, said: “We would like to wish the Irish public well as they enjoy some well-deserved staycations this summer. We are continuing to work with our local authority partners to ensure everyone enjoys a reliable water supply during the busy summer period and beyond. We are also asking the public to take note of their water usage and conserve where possible.

“Conserving water is something that we should be doing year round, not just when supplies come under pressure due to drought conditions and seasonal increases in demand. As demand increases we are appealing to the public to redouble their efforts in conserving water in the home, in the garden, at work and on the farm, especially during the busy months of July and August when staycations will be at a peak and demand is expected to soar.

“This applies particularly to tourist hotspots in popular coastal regions and tourist destinations throughout the country of which we are lucky to have so many and where large influxes of visitors are expected.

“As rivers, lakes and groundwater levels reduce through the summer and autumn period, there is less water available for supply, while at the same time the warmer weather gives rise to increased water demands for domestic, agricultural and leisure uses. During late August and September, river and lake levels in Monaghan decrease which puts pressure on water supplies.

“There are lots of helpful tips for conserving water on water.ie but the key things are to leave the hose and the pressure washer in the shed; don’t use paddling pools; reuse household water for the garden; and take shorter showers. Safeguarding the supply of water is essential at this time when handwashing and hygiene is of critical importance. We are calling on everyone to play their part.”

Irish Water has been carefully monitoring all of its raw water sources, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed our water treatment plants. Night time restrictions have been used in a small number of locations across the country to ensure a consistent day time supply for all. While the public are being asked to conserve, there are currently no plans to implement a Water Conservation Order.

Peter continued: “In Irish Water, we are continually working with our local authority partners to look at what we call the supply/demand balance. This means that we need to ensure that we can supply more treated drinking water than is required for use. We can manage this by conserving water; losing less by repairing leaks; and supplying smarter by ensuring that all of our plants are working optimally.

“We can all work together to protect our supplies and safeguard our water for essential usage.”

With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public are reminded to adhere to public health and HSE advice, and handwashing and hygiene remain critically important.

Further water conservation information is available on the Irish Water website www.water.ie/conservation

Irish Water continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Cllr Aidan Campbell, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council attended the launch of the EBR Charter – ‘A Blueprint for Cross Border Cooperation in the East Border Region’ on 23rd June 2021in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. Other Councillors attending from Monaghan County Council were Cllr Sean Conlon, Cllr Aoife McCooey and Cllr Noel Keelan.

This Innovative Charter for Cross border cooperation in the East Border Region takes account of the fact that the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, sets out the parameters for cross border cooperation between the six-member authorities North and South and outlines future regional cross border priorities. In 2021 EBR celebrates 45 years of cross border Local Authority led cooperation and is one of the longest established cross border local authority led groups in Europe. EBR is currently involved in the implementation of INTERREG VA Projects to the value of €104 million.

The EBR Charter is elected member led and represents a renewed mandate for EBR to be a principal mechanism for continued cross border cooperation between the six-member Local Authorities. Monaghan County Council, along with the five other member Councils participated in the signing of The Local Authority Declaration of Commitment outlined in the Charter which states:

We the member authorities of the East Border Region hereby declare our joint commitment to continue to work together to address the issues arising from the Ireland/N Ireland border in order to protect and improve the prosperity of the citizens of the Region and the public and private services that they can access.”

Both Minister Simon Coveney TD and Minister Conor Murphy MLA gave keynote addresses at the event.

Minister Murphy stated, “EBR has a 20-year track record in delivering cross border EU funding and is currently involved in a number of INTERREG projects. EBR has always been an organisation that leads on cross border co-operation, and it is timely that the EBR Charter reaffirms and refreshes the organisations mission in light of Brexit, and the ongoing commitment of the six-member local authorities to cross border co-operation.”

In his keynote address Minister Coveney stated “I am very pleased that the Reconciliation Fund has provided support for the development of the EBR Charter, EBR has a long and proud history of practical cross border co-operation for the benefit of the citizens of the region, and has done invaluable work in terms of capacity building between elected members, council officials and key stakeholders. EBR is a first-class example of cross border regional co-operation and it needs to be supported and enhanced”.

In her address Pamela Arthurs, Chief Executive, outlined the proposed implementation of the EBR Charter along thematic lines and pointed to the forthcoming €1 billion PEACE PLUS Programme as an exciting opportunity to implement practical cross border co-operation projects. The key themes include:

• Economic Development and Regeneration
• Tourism
• Biodiversity
• Energy
• Climate change
• Social Inclusion

Further information on the EBR Charter is available at this link www.eastborderregion.com/ebr-charter