Monaghan County Council has identified the need for a Vision Plan for Drum. The Plan will outline the priorities for development in terms of village regeneration, enhancement, community facilities and developing the local economy.
As part of this process the Council has engaged the services of Sheridan Woods Architects and Urban Planners and Venture International Ltd Consultants to work with them to engage with the residents and community of Drum to shape the development of the Vision Plan for your village.
An effective Vision Plan works best when all the interests in the community are brought together to work on common goals and a planned vision … in this case for Drum.
The process will commence with an information evening as follows:
Date
Wednesday 9th November 2022
Time
7.00 pm
Location
Drum School, Cortober, Drum, Co Monaghan
Please feel free to tell people about the information evening for the Vision Plan so that as many people as possible have the chance to have their say and be heard.
For further information or to register your interest in the information evening please contact:
5,300 homes and businesses will have access full fibre-to-the-premises broadband
Build already underway in Carrickmacross, with Monaghan town to follow
SIRO announces €6 million investment in 100% fibre broadband for Carrickmacross and Monaghan town, with network to go live in early 2023, the launch took place in the Civic Offices, Carrickmacross on Monday morning last (L-R) Damien Thornton (Carrickmacross-Castleblayney MD Co-Ordinator), John McArdle (Monaghan County Council Broadband Officer), Carmel O’Hare (Director of Corporate Services & Innovation Monaghan County Council), Suzanne Tracy (Chief Technology Officer SIRO), Amanda Glancy (Director of Corporate Affairs SIRO), Micheal Crowe, Councillor Aoife McCooey, Rodney Howard (Build Manager SIRO), Aidan Campbell (MD Chairman) and Damien Murray (SIRO). Pic. Pat Byrne
Tuesday, 25 October – SIRO, the broadband network operator, has today announced that it is investing €6 million in the roll out of a new full fibre network to Carrickmacross and Monaghan town.
As part of the roll out, 5,300 premises in these towns can connect to SIRO’s gigabit, 100% fibre network. SIRO is targeting 2,800 premises in Monaghan and 2,500 premises in Carrickmacross, respectively. The investment was officially announced by the company as part of a presentation made to Carrickmacross-Castleblaney Municipal District Councillors and Monaghan County Council representatives by senior SIRO management.
Areas across Carrickmacross that will receive SIRO’s fibre broadband include (but not limited to) include: Alderwood, Cluain Alainn, Coill An Rí, Farney Street, The Elms, Castleblayney Road, Saint McCartan’s Villa.
Some areas across Monaghan Town that will receive SIRO’s fibre broadband include (but not limited to)include: Drumbear Lawn, Dublin Street, Tully Estate, Belgium Park, Doctor McKenna Park, Montfort, and Manor Wood.
Works by SIRO and its contractors on the ground commenced in Carrickmacross in September, with Monaghan town set to begin in December, with works continuing into early next year.
It’s expected that homes and businesses will be able to connect to the network in quarter one and quarter two 2023 in Carrickmacross and Monaghan Town, respectively. The roll out is part of SIRO’s ongoing national network expansion, where the broadband network operator is working to roll out its network to 770,000 premises across 154 towns.
SIRO is a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, established in 2015. To date, the wholesale operator has already connected over 450,000 premises in 75 towns.
Commenting on the announcement, SIRO Chief Technology Officer Suzanne Tracy, noted:
“SIRO’s announcement that we are bringing our 100% fibre broadband to Carrickmacross and Monaghan Town continues our commitment to ensure equality of access to high speed, reliable and future proofed broadband to towns across Ireland.
“Connectivity is now vital to how we work, live or learn online. SIRO’s fibre broadband is future-proofed to deliver speeds of up to 10 Gigabits, ensuring that regional towns such as Carrickmacross or Monaghan are not left behind but can fully participate in our digital society and economy.
“At its core, SIRO’s fibre broadband gives power back to people and communities, allowing them to choose how they live and work today, and over the longer term,” added Ms. Tracy.
Welcoming today’s announcement, Monaghan County Council Director of Services for Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District of Carmel O’Hare, said:
“We are delighted to welcome SIRO to Co. Monaghan and to see SIRO commence their broadband rollout in the Carrickmacross and Monaghan town areas. The rollout of the SIRO network throughout Carrickmacross marks a milestone for the urban area and will offer significant broadband improvements for all of the many business interests in the town and for residential customers.”
SIRO will be available to order for residents and businesses of Monaghan in early 2023. To register your interest, please visit www.siro.ie
N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road Scheme – Initial design to be made available on Project Website
Monaghan County Council, in association with Louth County Council, and in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are currently developing a road scheme to upgrade the existing N2 between Ardee and Castleblayney. Monaghan County Council appointed Jacobs Consulting Engineers (Jacobs) in 2018 to advance the project through the planning and design process. This is an important project to enhance key North/South and regional connectivity and to improve road safety, and the project is being developed in accordance with TII’s Project Management Guidelines.
Following three public consultations on the proposed scheme, a 400m wide Preferred Route Corridor was published in February 2021. The project then entered the next phase of TII’s planning and design process (Phase 3: Design and Environmental Evaluation) and Jacobs are in the process of designing the road (including junctions and accesses), identifying the landtake required, and undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment.
The N2 Project Team has substantially completed the necessary surveys/investigations to prepare an initial design of the proposed road. In September, the project team contacted approximately 300 directly affected landowners, inviting them to meet with members of the project team to discuss the potential impact of the scheme on their lands. The project team wishes to sincerely thank all landowners who have attended meetings for their engagement – in many cases landowners are receiving the information that they will be significantly impacted by the proposed scheme, and it is a difficult time for many people.
After 5 weeks of landowner meetings, details of the initial road design will now be made available to the wider community and stakeholders along the route of the proposed road. The design will be available on an online map based system on the project website www.N2MonaghanLouth.ie and is expected to be available by Tuesday, 25th October. The design shown will be based on a preliminary, initial design, and will be subject to change following feedback from stakeholders.
The map-based system will show the route of the proposed N2, the locations of the proposed interchanges and junctions onto the N2, and the route of proposed sideroads and access roads along the N2. This will provide the wider community the opportunity to view the impacts of the project on the local road network and to view the alternative routes they will be required to travel to access local facilities and to join the improved N2. The answers to Frequently Asked Questions can also be seen on the project website.
Over the coming months the N2 Project Team will consider feedback received from landowners and other stakeholders before a design is finalised. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and CPO documentation will then be prepared. Subject to approval, would then be submitted to An Bord Pleanála as part of the planning approval process.
The Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Cllr. Sean Conlon has opened a book of condolences to allow the people of Monaghan to express their sympathy and solidarity with the people of Creeslough, in the aftermath of the tragic incident in the Donegal village.
Opening the Book of Condolences, the Cathaoirleach said “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the dreadful events that unfolded in Creeslough on Friday last. On behalf of the members and staff of Monaghan County Council and the people of Monaghan, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families that have been so tragically affected, and to the wider community in Creeslough, who are coming to terms with the loss and devastation of this traumatic incident. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.”
Those who wish to sign the Book of Condolence can do so at Monaghan County Council’s offices at:
The Glen, Monaghan Town
Ballybay/Clones Municipal District Offices, the Diamond, Clones
Carrickmacross/Castleblayney Municipal District Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross
HSE issues Public Health advice following bacterial meningitis notifications
Meningococcal notifications – week ending 1st October 2022
The HSE has confirmed that it is investigating four cases of meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia reported in the last week of September; 3 cases are confirmed and one is possible. Three of the cases are reported to be caused by serogroup B. Sadly, two of the people affected have died.
The cases were reported from different regions of the country and have no known links with each other. Three of the cases are young adults and one case is less than 10 years of age.
Close contacts are being identified by public health and will be provided with antibiotics to prevent infection and will also be offered vaccine if appropriate.
Meningitis is a serious illness involving inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of different germs, mainly bacterial and viruses. Bacterial meningitis, such as in these cases, is less common but usually more serious than viral meningitis and requires urgent treatment with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis may be accompanied by septicaemia (blood poisoning). The bacteria live naturally in the nose and throat of normal healthy persons without causing illness. The spread of the bacteria is caused by droplets from the nose and mouth. The illness occurs most frequently in young children and adolescents, usually as isolated cases. Bacterial meningitis or septicaemia requires urgent antibiotic treatment.
Signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together. Symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all.
Early symptoms can include;
Fever
Headache
Neck stiffness
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Discomfort from bright light
Diarrhoea
Muscle pain
Stomach cramps
Fever with cold hands and feet
A rash may appear (pin-prick type marks which if untreated can spread to form bruises or blood blisters). DO NOT WAIT FOR A RASH. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.
The HSE advises that if anyone has any concerns they should contact their GP in the first instance but ensure that medical expertise is sought quickly.
The HSE is closely monitoring the situation.
Vaccination:
Meningococcal B disease is prevented by vaccination. The MenB vaccine was introduced in Ireland for all children born on or after 1 October 2016 because children under one year are at the highest risk of meningococcal B disease. All children are offered MenB vaccine at 2 and 4 months of age with a booster dose of MenB vaccine given at 12 months.
Monaghan County Council, in conjunction with Failte Ireland, is undertaking a feasibility study on a potential tourism and recreation proposal for the Muckno Estate, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. As part of this it has prepared two Concept Options which are outlined in the Vision for Muckno document which can be viewed on www.monaghan.ie
The ‘Muckno Adventure Estate’ (Concept Option 1) would involve the development of four connected zones of activity at the historic estate, Lough Muckno, Concra Woods and Castleblayney town, within which it would be possible to undertake over 150 different outdoor adventure activities as well as experiences associated with nature, conservation, art, craft, music, food and drink, and health and well-being. This option would involve the regeneration of Hope Castle situated in the Muckno Estate.
The ‘Great Drumlin of Adventure’ (Concept Option 2) would build on Concept Option 1. This proposed option would involve the carrying out of additional development at the estate. The Estate would host a variety of high value tourism and recreational amenities as well as adventure attractions. It would involve the development of an iconic structure replicating the shape and profile of a drumlin.
MCC has commissioned Fehily Timoney and Company (FTCO) to complete a strategic planning and environmental appraisal of these concept option proposals. As part of this appraisal, MCC and FTCO wishes to provide members of the public with an opportunity to submit their opinions on the environmental and planning aspects of the concept option proposals at a public consultation event and/or via a dedicated project email address.
Interested parties are therefore invited to drop in to an In-person Public Exhibition and Consultation event. This event will take place at:
TheGatehouse, Hope Castle, Castleblayney
on the 6th of October 2022 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm.
Submissions regarding the planning and environmental aspects of the concept option proposals can also be made to the email address loughmuckno@ftco.ie until 20th October 2022.
Older people and at-risk groups urged to protect themselves against both flu and COVID-19 by getting their vaccines
The HSE’s winter vaccination programme has gotten underway with the roll out of the free flu vaccine to recommended groups while those aged over 65 and all aged 12 and over with a weak immune system are invited for their next COVID-19 vaccine.
Monday 3rd of October, marked the rollout of the adapted bivalent vaccines. Three adapted bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended for use for booster vaccination by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), following approval by the European Medicines Agency.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD said:
“As the weather becomes cooler and the nights become darker, all of our thoughts turn to how best we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the worst impacts of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses that circulate at this time of year. I welcome today’s roll-out of the HSEs winter vaccination programme that will facilitate booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccines being administered at the same time in GPs and Pharmacies.
“15 Vaccination Centres across the country are also continuing to provide COVID-19 primary vaccines and 2nd and 3rd booster doses this winter.
We know that vaccines offer good protection from both COVID-19 and seasonal flu and urge everyone eligible to avail of this opportunity as soon as possible.”
Dr Aparna Keegan, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Immunisation Office, said:
“This winter both the flu and COVID-19 viruses are expected to circulate. It is very important that all those who are invited, get both their free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccines. Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses but both can cause serious illness. The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19.
“That is why it is important that if you have had a COVID-19 vaccine you should still get your free flu vaccine. Both Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available from participating GPs and Pharmacies and can be given at the same time.”
“COVID-19 primary and booster vaccines for people aged 12 or over are also available in the 15 vaccination centres across the country.
“The HSE is also reminding anyone who has not received their primary vaccine or their booster doses, or who has had COVID-19 and has had to wait 4 months for their booster to book an appointment as soon as possible.”
Dr Keith Ian Quintyne, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE Public Health Area A said: “From October 17th the children’s flu nasal spray vaccine will also be available free for all children aged 2 to 17 years from GPs and Pharmacies. For children aged 5 to 11 who have not had their primary COVID-19 vaccination and for those with a weak immune system and due a booster dose, appointments are available at HSE vaccination centres by making an appointment on www.hse.ie”
The HSE will continue to be active over the next few weeks in our services, in the media and online, encouraging people to come forward for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines. A multi-media advertising campaign encouraging all eligible groups to come forward for their recommended vaccines will be rolled out from this week on radio, press, TV, digital and social media.
The Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage has announced a pilot scheme to provide grants of €3,000 (ex. VAT) for expert conservation advice on protected structures in private ownership. Applications must be received by the Department by 30th September. Further information available at https://monaghan.ie/planning/built-heritage/
Notice under Section 15(1) (a) of the Derelict Sites Act, 1990 (as amended)
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ACQUIRE DERELICT SITE COMPULSORILY, UNDER THE DERELICT SITES ACT 1990, AS AMENDED
Notice is hereby given that Monaghan County Council (hereinafter referred to as the “Local Authority”), in exercise of the powers conferred on them by Section 14 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990, as amended, intends to acquire compulsorily, under the said Act, the derelict site described hereunder.
A map of the said derelict site has been deposited at the Planning reception of Monaghan County Council, 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan, H18 X982, and may be inspected there during its public opening hours Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Any owner, lessee or occupier (except a tenant for a month) may, on or before 01 November 2022 submit to the Local Authority an objection to the proposed compulsorily acquisition of the derelict site. Any such objection must be in writing stating the grounds of the objection and addressed to the Local Authority at Planning Section, Monaghan County Council, 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan, H18 X982.
The Derelict Sites Act, 1990 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act, 2000) provides that if an objection is made to the proposed compulsory acquisition of a derelict site and the objection is not withdrawn, the derelict site shall not be acquired compulsorily by the Local Authority without the consent of An Bord Pleanála.
Description of Derelict Site proposed to be acquired:
Derelict site at McCurtain Street, Clones, Co. Monaghan, comprising of three no. two storey terraced houses, arched entryway and rear garden areas, bounded to the west by public footpath/road, to the north by dwelling house and rear gardens, to the east by rear gardens and to the south by dwelling house and rear gardens.
(Area: 517 square metres)
Dated this 29th day of September 2022
Signed: Adrian Hughes A/Director of Planning, Economic Development Monaghan County Council
Issued Tuesday, 27 September 2022 – Securing the water supply across County Monaghan remains a top priority for Irish Water as the intensive campaign to drive down leakage and improve the water supply to homes and businesses continues.
Working in partnership with Monaghan County Council, Irish Water will replace over 200m of old water mains along Market Square and Muckno Street in Castleblaney. These works will provide a more safe and secure water supply for customers, while reducing the high level of leakage and bursts in the area.
Outlining the benefits of these works Declan Cawley, Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, explained: “These essential works will benefit customers in the area by replacing ageing water mains with new and improved plastic pipes, which will strengthen and reinforce the water network. The immediate impact of this work will see an improvement to water supply in the area with reduced leakage rates and unplanned interruptions when bursts occur.
“Upon completion, there will be significant improvements in the network performance and levels of customer service in this area in terms of efficiency and security of supply.”
The works are scheduled to commence early October along the R181 and L75065 at Market Square and Muckno Street, in Castleblaney town centre and are due for completion in November. Farrans Construction will deliver the project on behalf of Irish Water.
The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to the front of the customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customer’s water supply.
In order to ensure the safe delivery of works, traffic management will be in place throughout the duration of the works however local access will be maintained at all times.
Irish Water customers may experience some short-term interruptions to their water supply, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruption.
“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient for local residents and businesses but work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruptions these necessary works cause. We thank the community for their continued co-operation and patience,” explained Declan.
Customers with questions about the project can call Irish Water on 1800 278 278 or contact us on Twitter @IWCare. For further updates please see the Irish Water website www.water.ie
Irish Water is working with local authorities across the country to reduce leakage and provide customers with a more reliable water supply. Fixing leaks can be complicated but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2021 it was 38% and now we are on track to achieve a national leakage rate of 25% by the end of 2030.
Since 2018, Irish Water has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. We are investing a further €250 million every year up to the end of 2030 – fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.
SERVICES
