News

Tuesday, 20 December 2022 – Following the freezing weather last week and the subsequent thaw, Irish Water continues to remind householders and businesses in Co Monaghan to check for leaks on their properties and report leaks on the public network via www.water.ie or by calling 1800 278 278.

The sub-zero temperatures in recent days have increased the number of frozen water pipes and bursts, causing increased pressure on water supplies across the county. Freezing water expands and strains the pipes until they crack or burst, not only impacting older, weakened pipes but also modern pipes that are laid in shallow ground and vulnerable to temperature drops.

Irish Water crews are on the ground, working in partnership with Monaghan County Council, to maintain essential water and wastewater services. Investigations into leaks caused by burst mains continue to take place at several locations. While our raw water reservoirs and sources are full at this time of year, demand for water in Monaghan has increased and is putting pressure on the supply of treated water in our storage reservoirs. 

Customers can also do their bit to help avoid expensive repairs and disrupted water supply at home or in their business by taking a few easy, preventative measures. These include checking outside pipes that can become frozen and burst during periods of cold weather and, if possible, turn off water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises. They can also report a leak on the public network online via Irish Water’s dedicated webpage or by calling the customer team on 1800 278 278. 

We would also ask people never to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can bleed the network and seriously impact your local water supply.

Peter Gallagher, Operations Lead for Irish Water, offered this advice: “With the temperatures having been below freezing and some element of thaw beginning it is essential to continue the regular maintenance of your property and check premises for leaks. It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your own internal water system and particularly how to turn off your supply at the stopcock so that you can protect your property in the event of a burst pipe. 

“We also recommend that people don’t run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains. It also puts further pressure on water supplies that are already challenged by the freezing conditions. For example, in one rural location this year we saw an example of where a single hosepipe left running overnight resulted in 60 people being without water.

“We are constantly monitoring the levels of our reservoirs throughout the county, however, some homes and business in the county may experience low water pressure or loss of supply due to a combination of increased demand and burst watermains. To protect and maintain supply while we conduct repairs, we are asking customers to assist us by checking for bursts and overflowing troughs on their own properties, and turning these off where they are found. We are also asking customers to check unoccupied and empty premises.

“To help people avoid issues like this and stay safe, warm and comfortable during the cold snap, we have lots of helpful advice on our website, www.water.ie/winterproofing. There is also advice on general winter readiness at www.winterready.ie.”

The Irish Water Customer Care Team is also available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and there is lots of advice on being winter ready on Twitter @IrishWater. 

Monaghan County Council has today, published its Gender Pay Gap Report for 2022. The gender pay gap is the difference in the average hourly wage of men and women across a workforce. Employers with more than 250 employees in Ireland are now required to publish their gender pay gap data.

The 2022 report shows a Mean Gender Pay Gap that on average, males are paid 1.12% more than females. The Median Gender Pay Gap shows that the median rate of pay for females is 8.50% higher than the median rate of pay for males.

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 at work. We continue to be 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.

See the Council’s Gender Pay Gap report here: https://bit.ly/3Vd0qCG 

The local authority sector 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.

Visit our website www.monaghan.ie and www.localgovernmentjobs.ie to find out more about the work we do.

See below for Monaghan County Council Christmas and New Year Opening Hours: 

Please ring the 24-Hour Emergency Line: 1800 121 121 in the event of an emergency over the holiday period.

Monaghan County Council are seeking expressions of interest from Landlords with 5/6 bedrooms properties for let for inclusion in the Rental Accommodation Schemes in the following town:

Carrickmacross

Houses to be considered must be close to services in towns, ideally within one mile (1.6km) from shops, school etc.

If you have any such houses available for renting, or that may become available shortly, please write in with the details, including size of house, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, ownership, date available, location map & BER (if available) and monthly rent price.

Submissions should be marked, sealed and addressed as follows

“Expression of Interest in Large Private Rented Accommodation – RAS/Social Housing Section, Housing Department, Monaghan County Council, The Glen, Monaghan or e-mail housing@monaghancoco.ie

John Murray

Head of Finance, Housing & Culture

Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland issue cold weather warnings for water activities

With the current icy weather warnings in place throughout the country, the Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal urging people to be aware of the added danger at our aquatic environments and of additional safety considerations when on or near the water.

Due to the freezing temperatures, many inland bodies of water have frozen over at canals, lakes, ponds and flooded areas. As the thickness of this ice can vary greatly the strong advice is to stay off the ice. Be extra vigilant while walking beside bodies of water as walkways and paths can become extremely slippery and unsafe when icy. Keep pets and young children away from the edges.

Many people are expected to take part in festive dips. The three maritime organisations are asking people to check that they have the right information to safely enjoy these activities and that they know what to do in the event of an emergency. Cold water swims are very popular in the run up to Christmas and New Year. However, the current cold snap means that there are added risks to consider when taking part in these types of activities. This is particularly so inland. Avoid lakes that are covered or partially covered in ice.

• In an emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
• Have a means of calling for help, e.g., a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle
• Check weather and tides. Be particularly mindful of strong wind conditions.
• When you go open water swimming, it is very important to acclimatise by entering the water slowly and allowing time for your body to get used to the cold.
• To help yourself acclimatise, splash the cold water on your neck and face.
• Warm up afterwards by putting on dry clothes quickly and wear a warm hat as soon as you get out.
• Entry and exit points may be difficult in the sub-zero conditions so walk slowly to avoid slipping.
• Avoid swimming in areas where there is ice.

Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO, Roger Sweeney added ‘Children are naturally curious about walking on ice but parents should emphasize that it is not safe as the thickness can vary. This is why it so important that adults provide uninterrupted, responsible supervision beside any waterway.”

RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support Lisa Hollingum added: ‘Cold water shock is a very real possibility while winter swimming and dipping. Acclimatise before getting in, don’t stay in long and warm up as soon as you get out of the water. Look out for one another.’

Irish Coast Guard Head of Operations Gerard O’Flynn said, “Many people  are looking forward  to engaging in outdoor activities, including open water swimming or quick dips over the over the festive period, but please attend to your personal safety by carefully planning your intended activity.”

 Monday, 12 December 2022: 

With the cold snap expected to continue for the next few days, Irish Water is reminding customers that there are some simple steps they can take to protect against frozen pipes and bursts – and stay safe, warm and comfortable this winter.

The sub-zero temperatures in recent days have increased the number of frozen water pipes and bursts. Our crews on the ground are working in partnership with Local Authorities nationwide to maintain essential water and wastewater services. We are also liaising with the National Emergency Co-ordination Group and other key utilities to ensure an appropriate response to the ongoing weather conditions.

Customers can also do their bit to help avoid expensive repairs and a disrupted water supply at home or in their business/farm by taking a few easy preventative measures. These include checking outside pipes that can become frozen and burst during periods of cold weather and, if possible, turn off water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises. Alternatively, if the water system is left operational, you may consider setting the heating to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate, and will help prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.

We would also ask people not to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on your local water supply. 

Anthony Skeffington, Regional Operations Manager, Irish Water offered this advice:

“With the temperatures dipping below -5-degrees in some areas this week it is really important to continue the regular maintenance of your property, protect outside taps and farm troughs, and check empty premises. It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your own internal water system and particularly how to turn off your supply at the stopcock so that you can protect your property in the event of a burst pipe. 

“We also recommend that people don’t run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains. It also puts further pressure on water supplies that are already challenged by the freezing conditions. For example we recently saw an example of where a single hosepipe left running overnight resulted in 60 people being without water.

“To help people avoid issues like this and stay safe, warm and comfortable during the cold snap we have lots of helpful advice on our website, www.water.ie/winterproofing. There is also advice on general winter readiness at www.winterready.ie 

The Irish Water Customer Care Team is also available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and there is lots of advice on being winter ready on Twitter @IrishWater

Met Eireann have extended their Status Yellow Low Temperature/Ice warning for Ireland until 12:00 Friday 16/12/2022

All warnings at https://met.ie/warnings Be mindful of conditions on roads. Be Winter ready http://winterready.ie 

Icy conditions

• Clear your windows and mirrors of any ice, carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
• Remember it takes longer to stop in icy conditions. Manoeuvre gently, slow down and increase your braking distance or ‘safe space’ by leaving an extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Avoid too much steering, harsh braking, and acceleration.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
• Check tyres and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check they’re inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
• Familiarise yourself with any safety assist technology like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) in your vehicle.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space when overtaking them.

Sleet and snow

There is also a risk of sleet and snow in parts of the north and west of the country. Drivers in these conditions are advised to:

• Remove all snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.
• In snow and icy conditions, slow down. Use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• In snow or sleet conditions, visibility will be reduced. Do not drive on the taillights of the vehicle in front. In heavy snow, use your fog lights, turn off your radio and open your window, so you can hear other traffic, especially at junctions.

Advice for pedestrians and cyclists

• While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck, DO NOT underestimate the dangers of frost and ice.
• Each winter slips and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk.
• Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door on the doorstep, on the path or while getting out of the car.
• If you are out walking in icy conditions wear appropriate footwear.
• Visibility is reduced in hail, sleet, or snow so at night wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch and if you cycle make sure your bike is fitted with lights front and rear.

For advice on severe weather driving tips and weather updates, please see severe weather advice on or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

See advice on driving in the RSA’s series of Severe Weather Warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion.

Be Winter Ready

The Be Winter Ready booklet is prepared by Office of Emergency Planning on behalf of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, and contains important information which allows households to be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help should it be needed.

• Download the 2022 Be Winter Ready booklet

Personal & Community Resilience is that individuals & communities can use their strengths to ‘Prepare’ for ‘Respond’ to and ‘Recover’ from emergencies.

Resilient communities can play a key role in the protection, rescue and care of any individuals within their community, who, because of dependency or disability, need particular attention during emergencies. Neighbours will be aware of any residents who are visually impaired, hearing impaired or with limited physical movement, whether by reason of age, illness (including mental illness), disability or other reasons, and can either assist such persons themselves or direct the emergency services towards them.

This preparedness enables the community to come together, utilising the locally identified resources, both personnel and equipment during the response to an emergency affecting their community. This response will complement the various emergency response agencies efforts in responding to the emergency.

Previous experience has demonstrated that communities who have spent time planning and preparing for an emergency are better able to cope and recover more quickly.

See links below:

Personal and Community Resilience Leaflet_English Version

Personal and Community Resilience Leaflet_Irish Version

Monaghan County Council wish to invite you to attend a public consultation event to hear your views on the development of a new Monaghan LCDC PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan.

The Plan will be based on community needs and will seek to overcome challenges/barriers across a wide range of areas that will promote peace and prosperity across the district.

Get involved by attending one of the following events:

There is no requirement to register your interest to attend an event.

If you require any further information on the consultation process, please contact Nicola Payne by telephone on 047 30500 or by email at npayne@monaghancoco.ie

Friday, 2 December 2022 – Safeguarding the water supply in Monaghan is a vital focus for Irish Water with further works planned in Ballybay as part of its programme to drive down leakage and reduce the number of bursts and unplanned outages impacting the community.

Irish Water, in partnership with Monaghan County Council, is replacing 525 metres of ageing water mains together with backyard service connections along O’Duffy Terrace to provide a more reliable water supply, improve water quality and reduce the amount of treated drinking water lost to leakage.

The works, which are due to begin this week, are a critical step in conserving our precious resource and reducing high levels of leakage which have been a significant source of disruption and outages for customers.

Backyard services are found in older areas, often installed to the rear of a customer’s property and typically made of cast iron or lead. Due to the age and deteriorating condition of the pipework, they are often a significant source of leakage and supply disruption for customers. Backyard services are usually shared, running through a number of neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Where properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all connected properties, resulting in low pressure and/or outages.

Irish Water would like to thank all customers in O’Duffy Terrace who have engaged with us and assisted us in the provision of our backyard services programme which will not only result in significant water savings but will also reduce the number of bursts and outages impacting customers. These projects are only successful if all customers on a shared water connection support and facilitate these vital works so that the old and leaking mains can be decommissioned.

Speaking about the benefits of the project, Declan Cawley, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: “Old backyard service connections are a huge source of leakage and water quality and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains and service connections in poor condition will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground. We would like to thank the residents in O’Duffy Terrace for facilitating these works and working with us to provide a more secure and reliable water supply for generations to come.”

These works will be carried out by Farrans Construction in partnership with Monaghan County Council on behalf of Irish Water and are due to be completed in March 2023.

The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality. Since 2018, its delivery represents an investment of over €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. Irish Water is also investing a further €250 million annually up to the end of 2030 directed at fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.

To find out more about Irish Water’s national programme of works to reduce leakage and improve Ireland’s water supply visit our Leakage Reduction Programme Page www.water.ie/projects-plans/national-projects/leakage-reduction-programme/.