News

Monaghan County Council is pleased to confirm that planning approval has been issued by An Bord Pleanála for a major regeneration scheme to the south of Dublin Street in Monaghan town centre. The project targets regeneration of the backland area’s to the south of Dublin Street, the opening of development lands, the assembly of suitable land parcels, and the provision of critical infrastructure and public realm facilities that will serve as a catalyst for future town centre investment. The project aims to regenerate an area in urban decline, generate employment and contribute to the creation of a new urban quarter, whilst integrating successfully within the established built-up area of the town.

Planning approval for the project is a significant milestone in the Council’s progression of strategic regeneration proposals for Dublin Street environs and wider town centre area. The South Dublin Street scheme marks the first phase of an ambitious regeneration strategy for Dublin Street areas (North & South) and adjoining Rooskey Lands. Funding of over €13.1 million has been allocated for the Dublin Street Regeneration project by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), with match funding being provided by Monaghan County Council.

In terms of project progression, Monaghan County Council will advance the preparation of final detailed designs and draft tender documentation in the coming months. Negotiations for property acquisitions with affected property owners will continue during the year. The Council expect that a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for properties not acquired by agreement will be progressed in 2025. Monaghan County Council will continue to work in partnership with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in progressing the regeneration scheme to the next project stage approval (Pre-Tender Approval) as required under the Public Spending Code/Infrastructural Guidelines.

Monaghan County Council, Chief Executive Robert Burns said: “Monaghan County Council are extremely happy to secure planning approval from An Bord Pleanála for the South Dublin Street and Backlands Regeneration project. Delivery of regeneration schemes, driving economic growth and promoting community and social benefits within our towns and villages are top priorities for Monaghan County Council. The principal vision of the proposed regeneration scheme is to create a new vibrant and sustainable urban quarter in our county town, addressing the weaknesses of the area and maximising its strengths. In partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Monaghan County Council is fully committed to progressing this transformative project to a successful fruition, thereby contributing to economic, community, tourism and cultural development within Dublin Street environs and wider town area”.   

Cathaoirleach for Monaghan County Council Cllr. Paul Gibbons stated:  “I wholeheartedly welcome planning approval from An Bord Pleanála for this long-awaited regeneration scheme. The successful delivery of the project will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Dublin Street and its backlands, thereby creating local economic and community benefits and making Monaghan a better place to live, work and visit”.

Monaghan County Council recently published the Capital Investment Programme for 2025 to 2027. This ambitious programme sets out an investment of €454 million over the next three years and aligns with the Council’s vision to ensure County Monaghan is a thriving, entrepreneurial, and vibrant community supported by a prosperous economy and a sustainable environment.

The programme encompasses 127 projects aimed at achieving investment across all three municipal districts. Robert Burns, Chief Executive said: ‘Our commitment to the delivery of capital projects is evident through this programme. We are already delivering on our promises, with over €75 million worth of projects at construction or tender stage. Our goal is to ensure balanced development across the county, and the new County Development Plan, once approved, will further drive future capital programmes. This substantial capital programme, alongside our annual revenue budget of €94 million, underscores the Council’s intent, ambition and focus on delivery. The 2025-2027 capital programme reflects a 22% increase in the projected spend compared to last year’s programme’.

Housing projects account for 53% of the programme spend, with 44 separate projects valued at over €241 million over the programme’s lifetime. Robert Burns stated that ‘the level of investment in housing demonstrates this Council’s commitment to the provision of social and affordable housing for the people of Monaghan.’

Transportation infrastructure projects with a value of almost €71 million are planned, representing almost 16% of the projected programme costs. The investment include upgrades to National Roads, Non-National Roads and Active Travel Schemes within the County, including the continuing development of the Ulster Canal Greenway, construction of new walking and cycling bridges in Monaghan town and enhanced active travel connectivity in Clones.

The capital programme will also invest nearly €57 million in over 42 projects related to regeneration, economic development, public realm enhancement and the development of amenities, providing a diverse range of projects such as the Council’s proposed new Civic Offices and Dublin Street Regeneration in Monaghan town, the second phase of the Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration, Carrickmacross Workhouse Campus development, Newbliss Digital and Enterprise Hub, Ballybay’s new Fire Station and the development of a new library and civic space at the old Market House in Ballybay. On economic development, the Council plans to provide serviced industrial sites as part of a new 16-acre, campus-style business park at Annahagh near Monaghan town.

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Paul Gibbons said ‘this is a Programme that will benefit all the people of Monaghan. Regardless of which part of the county you live in, there is something in this programme for everyone. The number and value of projects currently at construction in this county is a clear sign that this Council is delivering for the people of Monaghan and we hope that the future projects listed in this programme demonstrate our commitment to delivering the infrastructure required to further strengthen our county its and communities.’

An bhféadfadh an grúpa pobail agatsa cur le cur chun cinn na nGaeilge i gContae Mhuineacháin le linn 2025?

Tá sé i gceist ag Coiste Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin maoiniú teoranta a dháileadh ar ghrúpaí pobail sa chontae a bheadh sásta ócáid a reachtáil le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Bheadh na himeachtaí seo a leanas oiriúnach

• Léirithe ceoil as Gaeilge
• Scéalaíocht as Gaeilge
• Ciorcal Comhrá as Gaeilge
• Tráth na gCeist as Gaeilge
• Imeachtaí Spóirt as Gaeilge
• Pop Up Gaeltacht

Ag seo na coinníollacha a bhainfidh leis an maoiniú

• Beidh an ócáid ar fad as Gaeilge.
• Is ar ghrúpaí pobail amháin a bhronnfar an maoiniú, ní mór cuntas bainc a bheith ag an ngrúpa.  Ní bhronnfar maoiniú ar dhuine aonair.
• Beidh na himeachtaí ar siúl le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge agus caithfear iad a chlárú ar  www.snag.ie
• Ní mór an maoiniú ó Choiste na Gaeilge a admháil in aon phoiblíocht.
• Ní bhronnfar os cionn €200 ar aon iarratas.

 

Má tá suim ag an ngrúpa agatsa in ócáid a reachtáil, seol r-phost led thoil chuig Nial Ó Conchúir, Oifigeach Gaeilge ag noconnor@monaghancoco.ie agus luaigh an t-eolas seo a leanas

1. Ainm an Ghrúpa
2. Sonraí Teagmhála
3. An dáta molta don ócáid
4. An Láthair atá molta
5. Cur síos ar an ócáid
6. An méid atá á lorg (faoi réir uasmhéid €200)

Dáta deiridh Aoine 7 Feabhra 2025.

Could your community group contribute to the promotion of Irish Language in County Monaghan during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025?

Monaghan County Council’s Coiste na Gaeilge is proposing to distribute a small amount of funding to community groups in the County to host an event as Gaeilge during Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Events might include

• Music events as Gaeilge
• Storytelling as Gaeilge
• Ciorcal Cómhra as Gaeilge
• Table Quiz as Gaeilge
• Sport events as Gaeilge
• Pop Up Gaeltacht

The Following conditions will be attached to the funding

• Events must be As Gaeilge.
• Funding for community groups only, with a bank account. Individuals cannot apply.
• Events must be held during Seachtain na Gaeilge and be registered on www.snag.ie
• Funding from Coiste na Gaeilge must be acknowledged in any publicity
• Grants will not exceed €200 per applicant.

 

If your group is interested in hosting an event, please send an email to Nial Ó Conchúir Oifigeach Gaeilge at noconnor@monaghancoco.ie with the following information

1. Name of Group
2. Contact Details
3. Proposed date of event
4. Proposed Venue
5. Description of event
6. Amount being requested (subject to maximum €200)

 

Closing date is Friday 7^th  February 2025.

 

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO AMEND BYE-LAWS

CASUAL TRADING (CONTROL AND DESIGNATION) BYE-LAWS 2025

 Notice is hereby given that the Members of the Municipal District of Monaghan, Monaghan County, in exercise of the powers vested in them by the provisions of Section 6 of the Casual Trading Act 1995 (as amended) and the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), propose to make new Casual Trading Bye-Laws for the administrative area of Monaghan Town – which will replace existing Bye-Laws.

In accordance with Section 6(6) and 6(7) of the Casual Trading Act 1995 (as amended), please be advised that a copy of the said proposed/draft new Casual Trading Bye-Laws may be  inspected at the Offices of Monaghan Municipal District, Monaghan County Council Offices, Glen Road, Monaghan between the hours of 9.15am – 1.00pm and 1.30pm – 5.15pm Monday to Friday (exclusive of Bank Holidays) for a period of one month from the date of publication of this notice and may also be viewed on Monaghan County Council’s website.

A copy of the proposed/draft new Casual Trading Bye-Laws will be given to any person applying for same.

A person may, within two weeks after the end of the period of inspection (referred to above), make submissions in writing to Monaghan County Council in relation to proposed/draft new Casual Trading Bye-Laws and Monaghan County Council shall, before deciding whether to make the to proposed/draft new Casual Trading Bye-Laws, take into consideration any submissions duly made to it and not withdrawn.

For more information click  : Draft Casual Trading Byelaws 2025 PDF

Such submissions may be made by:

• Email to: monaghan@monaghancoco.ie

Or

• By post to: Mr Donal McElwain, MD Coordinator, Monaghan Municipal District, Monaghan County Council Offices, Glen Road, Monaghan

Dated this the 16^th day of January 2025.

Donal McElwain

Monaghan Municipal District Co-Ordinator

Application to An Bord Pleanála for approval under Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Infrastructural Improvements to the Dromore Blueway

 

Notice is hereby given that Monaghan County Council proposes to seek approval from An Bord Pleanála for proposed development from Ballybay to Lisnalong, Co. Monaghan.

 

The development will consist of the following:

Development of infrastructural Improvements to the Dromore Blueway from Ballybay to Lisnalong, Co. Monaghan.

1. Renewing and widening slipway, provision of car park, removal of height restriction Gate, Internal Laneways works at Ballycoghill Bridge,
2. New Entrance, provision of car park, pathways, play area, new information board and picnic tables, improvement to existing slipway at Ballynascarva Bridge,
3. New drainage work to laneway and resurfacing, turning heads at White Lough, South Shore,
4. Renew and widen the slipway at Balladian Bridge,
5. Renew and widen the slipway, new turning head at Baird’s Shore,
6. Improvement to existing slipway and gravelled area at Ballybay Wetlands,
7. Proposed floating pontoon, new information board at Lough Major,
8. Construction of ancillary works at all sites, including signages, permeable paving, fencing, landscaping, and other ancillary works required to deliver the project.

 

This application relates to protected structures Ref: 41402310 (Ballycoghill Bridge)

Location:

• Ballycoghill Bridge, Clossagh Beg,
• Ballynascarva Bridge, Lisnalong,
• White Lough, South Shore, Anny [DED: Anny],
• Balladian Bridge, Balladian,
• Baird’s Shore, Drumskelt [DED: Anny],
• Ballybay Wetlands, Derryvally,
• Lough Major, Cornamucklaglass, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan.

 

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared as part of the application for approval in respect of the proposed development.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report for the proposed development has been carried out and has determined that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including Natura Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report, will be available between 9^th January 2025 to 6^th March 2025 (inclusive of both dates) for inspection free of charge, or for purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the following locations:

• Monaghan County Council Planning Offices at 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan, H18 X982, between the hours of 9.15am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.00pm (Excluding Public Holidays).

 

• Carrickmacross Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan A81 RY22, between the hours of 9.15am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.00pm (Excluding Public Holidays).

 

• Ballybay-Clones Municipal District Office, The Diamond, Clones, Co. Monaghan, H23 X378 between the hours of 9.15am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.15pm (Excluding Public Holidays)

 

• The offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 between the hours 9:15am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday (Excluding Public Holidays)

 

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including the Natura Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report are also available for viewing online on the Monaghan County Council website at https://monaghan.ie/ from 9^th January 2025 to 6^th March 2025 (inclusive of both dates).

Submissions or observations regarding the proposed development may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála with an address of 64 Marlborough St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 V902 or online at www.pleanala.ie during the period from 9^th January 2025 to 6^th  March 2025 (inclusive of both dates) in relation to:

1. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development.
2. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the proposed development; and
3. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out

and must include the following:

1. the name of the person, authority or body making the submission or observations, the name of the person if any, acting on behalf of that person, authority or body, and the address to which any correspondence relating to the application should be sent,
2. the subject matter of the submission or observations, and
3. the reasons, considerations and arguments on which the submission or observations is or are based.

 

Any submission or observations which do not comply with these requirements cannot be considered by the board. The board may at its absolute discretion hold on oral hearing on the application.

The Board may decide to:

1. (i) approve the proposed development

 

(ii) make such modifications to the proposed development as it specifies in its decision and grant approval in respect of the proposed development are so modified,

(iii) approve, in part only, the proposed development (with or without specified modifications of it of the foregoing kind); and may attach conditions as it considers appropriate to an approval or

1. Refuse to approve the proposed development.

 

A person may question the validity of any such decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts as provided for in Section 50 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2022. Further information can be obtained from An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 in respect of the judicial review procedure.

Further information in respect of the Judicial Review process can also be found on www.citizensinformation.ie – Contact Lo Call 1890 777 121 or + 353 21 452 1600 for details of the locations and operating hours of your local Citizens Information Centre.

 

Signed:

Gareth McMahon

Director of Services 

Monaghan County Council

 

Dated:   9^th January 2025

 

Supporting documentation and drawings in relation to this application can be found below:

Dromore Blueway ABP Applications Documentation

Submissions or observations duly made will be considered by An Bord Pleanála in making a decision on the application. Please note any submissions or observations made directly to Monaghan County Council in respect of this proposal will not be considered as valid submissions/observations by An Bord Pleanála.

COMHAIRLE CHONTAE MHUINEACHAIN
MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL
NOTICE
Part XI Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)
Part 8, Article 81 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)
Monaghan County Council hereby gives notice that it proposes to carry out development at
Cornamucklaglass, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan
The proposed development will consist of:

The Architectural Conservation & Refurbishment of the Protected Structure Ballybay Market House to a Public Library and Community Space to include a new rear and side extensions, landscaping works to the front and all ancillary works in the townland of Cornamucklaglass, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan.
In accordance with Article 81(2)(ca) and 120(1B)(b)(i) of the above-mentioned regulations, Monaghan County Council, as the competent authority, has concluded from a Screening Determination, which is based on an examination of the nature, size and location of the proposed development, that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development, and as such has determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required. This Screening Determination is available for inspection, and at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks from the date of publication of this notice, any person may apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

In accordance with Article 250(1)(ca) of the above-mentioned regulations, Monaghan County Council, as the competent authority, has concluded from a Screening Determination, which is based on an assessment of best scientific knowledge, that the proposed development, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, is not likely to have a significant effect on a European site and as such has determined that an Appropriate Assessment is not required. This Screening Determination is available for inspection, and any person may apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effect on a European site.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during office hours at the offices of Monaghan County Council, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan H18 X982 until 5pm on 17th of January 2025.
The plans and particulars of the proposed development may be inspected online at https://planning.localgov.ie/en/search/application
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development will be situated may be made in writing to Monaghan County Council, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan H18 X982 or in electronic format via the Local Government Portal https://planning.localgov.ie/en/search/application before 5pm on 31st of January 2025.

Signed:
Gareth Mc Mahon
Director of Services
Monaghan County Council
Dated 12th December 2024

Give the ‘Gift of a Lift’ this Christmas.

With the build up to Christmas well underway, many of us are preparing for work parties or meeting up with friends to celebrate the festive season.  But we all know that it can be difficult at times to get transport home at the end of a night out.  To raise awareness of the importance of planning your journey home, Monaghan County Council’s Road Safety Officer together with Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection, An Garda Siochana and the National Ambulance Service have launched their annual ‘Gift A Lift’ road safety Christmas campaign.

Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer with Monaghan County Council explained a bit more about what’s behind it. The “Gift of a Lift’ Christmas card is a novel way of getting across a serious message at a time of year when road users need to be extra careful, as roads are at their busiest and conditions can be dangerous.  The idea is that you ‘gift’ a family member or friend a lift home or organise a taxi for them over the festive season, ensuring they arrive home safely.

Present at the launch of the campaign was Sergeant Niall Leech from Monaghan Roads Policing Unit who welcomed the initiative with the following advice: “An Garda Síochána are reminding drivers to plan ahead when going out to celebrate over the holiday period.  Leave the car keys at home and either get a taxi or designate a driver.  Don’t forget you may still be over the legal alcohol limit the following morning, so don’t take any chances.  Gardaí will continue to focus on locations and times where fatal and serious injury collisions have previously occurred.  Our goal is to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. Our preliminary testing equipment can detect the presence of Cannabis, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines, Opiates, Amphetamine and Methamphetamine.  Roads Policing continues throughout the year in County Monaghan and Christmas time will be no different. Our advice is simple: Arrive home safe this Christmas and don’t ever drink or drive while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs” added Sergeant Leech.

Also present at the launch to support the ‘Gift of a lift’ initiative were members of Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection and the National Ambulance Service.   The effects of attending the scene of road traffic collisions can be profound on members of the emergency services as well as families, friends, and local communities.

Dermot Brannigan Chief Fire Officer with Monaghan Fire Civil Protection has the following message: “We are urging all road users to act responsibly and to not drink or drug drive when using the roads throughout Christmas, New Year or any time. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have catastrophic consequences with members of the Fire Service together with the Gardaí, Ambulance services and Local Authority staff all having to deal with the horrific aftermaths of such collisions. We would appeal to all road users not to take risks and to make safer choices. Wear your seatbelt, watch out for vulnerable road users and never walk on the road when intoxicated.   Don’t let your actions spoil a good night out and bring tragedy to your family this Christmas.”

Des Brennan Paramedic Supervisor with the National Ambulance Service reflected on how road safety is everyone’s responsibility. “We must all work together to keep everyone safe on our roads.  As of 25^th November 2024, there have been 158 fatalities countrywide, that’s 158 empty seats at the table this Christmas, which is far too high. Two of these fatalities have occurred in County Monaghan.   In addition to dealing with these fatal accidents, members of the emergency services have attended many serious collisions throughout the year, most of which didn’t even make the news headlines, but which have left people with life changing injuries”.

We all know someone for whom it can be difficult to choose a Christmas present, so why not give them the ‘Gift of a Lift’ and ensure they get home safely over the party season.  The card is available to print by searching for ‘Gift of a Lift’ on the Monaghan.ie website or from any County Monaghan library branch, whilst stocks last.

 

Click the link to download the Lift Card :      ‘Gift of a Lift’

The 2025 Community Monuments Fund has just been launched by the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The total funding available nationally for projects under Community Monuments Fund 2025 will be €7.4 million.

This year Monaghan County Council’s Heritage Office was awarded almost €50,000 to develop a Conservation Management Plan for Tydavnet old burial ground and to begin preparation for restoration works to the Singleton and Anketell burial enclosures at Errigal Truagh old graveyard.

The Community Monuments Fund was established in 2020 to provide investment in Ireland’s archaeological heritage. This funding is prioritised for Local Authorities, private owners and custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.

The Community Monuments Fund is investing essential capital in our archaeological heritage to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.

For more information and application forms please click here >>