Infrastructural Improvements to the Dromore Blueway

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 9th January 2025 to 6th 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 9th January 2025 to 6th 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 9th January 2025 to 6th  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:   9th 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.

Gender Pay Gap Report 2024

Tuesday, 17th December 2024

Monaghan County Council publishes 2024 Gender Pay Gap Report

Monaghan County Council has today, Tuesday 17th December 2024 published its Gender Pay Gap Report, highlighting the percentage difference between what men and women are paid on average in the organisation, irrespective of roles or levels.

The 2024 report shows a Gender Pay Gap that on average, females are paid 1.03% more than males. The Median Gender Pay Gap shows that the median rate of pay for females is 13.75% higher than the median rate of pay for males.

Employers with more than 150 employees in Ireland are required to publish their gender pay gap data before the end of 2024 and within six months of their reference date. Monaghan County Council and all local authorities in the country have 30th June 2024 as the reference date.

Publishing our gender pay gap data helps to reinforce our focus on supporting an open and inclusive workplace at Monaghan County Council.  Our organisation is a place where all employees have the same opportunities for recognition and career development and are treated fairly and equitably.  We are committed to addressing workplace barriers to equality and creating an open and inclusive workplace community. Many equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and supports are already in place, and we will continue to work in this area.

The Council’s Gender Pay Gap report can be found here Gender Pay Gap Report 2024 

Working in local government gives people the opportunity to play a key role in the positive development of their county and community. As an employer, Monaghan County Council is committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for employees. The Council offer flexible and family friendly arrangements, blended working, and great career progression and education opportunities.

Monaghan County Council is encouraging anyone seeking a career in local government to visit our website www.monaghan.ie to find out more about the work we do.

Contracts signed for construction of 72 houses in Monaghan

Monaghan County Council’s Housing section is pleased to announce that following a competitive tendering process, GEDA Construction have been chosen to construct 72 Houses in Monaghan town across two sites, namely Slí Lorcan, Latlorcan (51) and Slí na Coille, Mullaghmatt, Monaghan (21).

The Housing Section are utilising an accelerated design and build contract which encourages Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).  It is pleasing that GEDA have teamed up with a local timber frame manufacturing company IJM Timber Engineering Ltd to deliver these houses, with the first phase being delivered within 12 months.

Speaking at the signing of the contracts Chief Executive for Monaghan County Council, Mr. Robert Burns stated “This is a good news story for Monaghan in that it will develop two former unfinished housing estates,  for much needed social housing, and I am particularly pleased to see the Council embracing modern methods of construction to optimise the use of off-site manufacturing materials, techniques and processes to increase the pace and scale of housing delivery”.

Cathaoirleach for Monaghan County Council Cllr. Paul Gibbons stated “I would like to commend the Housing Section for their efforts in bringing these two projects to this stage and I look forward to having the houses completed and allocated to those on the social housing waiting list in Monaghan”.

Representing GEDA construction at the signing of the contracts Mr. Damian Murray stated, “GEDA are delighted to be involved in these two projects, and we look forward to working closely with the Housing team in Monaghan County Council in delivering these houses.”

Signing of contracts with MCC staff and GEDA

Ballybay Market House – Development

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

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 25th 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’

2025 Community Monuments Fund

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 >>

Lough Muckno Recreational Facility – Expression of Interest

Monaghan County Council is seeking expressions of interest for the use and operation of the outdoor recreational facility, formerly known as the Ski Club, at Lough Muckno, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.  The Council are seeking expressions of interest from interested parties to enter into a 3-year lease agreement for the use and operation of the buildings, adjacent water facilities and surrounding areas.

The site/compound consists of land, buildings, and facilities which can accommodate water and land-based recreational activities at Lough Muckno.

A suitable operator for the facility will be selected by means of a two-stage process whereby persons expressing an interest on or before the closing date specified below shall be further invited to submit detailed proposals and a business plan to facilitate comparative assessment of potential operators.

Expressions of Interest may be submitted via E-mail at carrickmacross@monaghancoco.ie or alternatively in hard copy format to Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District Office, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan A81 RY22. The closing time and date for receipt of Expressions of Interest is 4:00pm on Friday the 20th of December 2024. Submissions should be clearly labelled ‘Lough Muckno Recreational Facility’.

2025 Annual Budget for Monaghan County Council

Monaghan County Council has today adopted a €94m budget package that supports capital and economic investment into the future, provides for high quality public services and sustainable development of our businesses and communities. This is the largest budget in the history of Monaghan County Council and represents a 5% increase compared to budget 2024. The budget is aligned to our Corporate Plan and provides for the services and projects that aims to meet the needs of the people of County Monaghan, as well as additional staff for new and ongoing services and extra funding for our Municipal Districts.

 

Monaghan County Council, Cathaoirleach Cathy Bennett said:

“I am delighted to approve this budget as it signals Monaghan County Council’s plans for economic growth, it’s increase in local employment and support for businesses and communities throughout the county.”

 

Monaghan County Council, Chief Executive Robert Burns said:

“The Budget has been prepared with the objective of funding the continuation of existing and new, high-quality public services, maintaining our roads, meeting our climate action objectives, supporting social, cultural, economic and tourism development and supporting our business communities. I believe this budget demonstrates, as a Council, that we are focused on prudent financial management and investment in the future development of Co. Monaghan.”

Monaghan Peace Campus

Official opening of C:TEK2