News

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

The book of condolences is now closed.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

 

 

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:

The Gatehouse, Hope Castle, Castleblayney

on the 6^th 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 20^th October 2022.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 5^th October 2021

HSE’s Winter Vaccination Programme

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 3^rd 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 2^nd and 3^rd 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 17^th 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.

To see what vaccines are recommended for you, visit www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine  and hse.ie/flu, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or Pharmacy.

                                 

 

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 30^th 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.

 

 

For more information on the Leakage Reduction Programme, please visit www.water.ie/reducingleaks 

COMHAIRLE CHONTAE MHUINEACHAIN

MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL

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 Churchill and Millbrook Upper, Clones, Co. Monaghan.

The proposed development will consist of:

Upgrading of pedestrian facilities and carriageway alterations over approximately 300m of the L2800 road opposite St Tiarnach’s GAA Park Clones. It will facilitate the creation of an open pedestrian plaza on match days and an improved pedestrian link to the Peace Link sports complex from both the town centre and the GAA facility. The proposals include for new paved pedestrian footpaths on the eastern and western sides of the L2800 at St Tiarnach’s Park, the removal of an existing stone wall, and the demolition of a derelict dwelling at Upper Millbrook H23 NY71. Earthworks will be undertaken and a new 1.5m high retaining wall will be constructed and on the western side of the L2800 to facilitate the new footpath. The proposals will also include landscaping with planting and paved areas, street lighting and a dedicated controlled pedestrian crossing from St Tiarnach’s GAA Park to the Peace Link sports complex.

 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 20^th of October 2022.

The plans and particulars of the proposed development may also be inspected online at http://www.eplanning.ie/MonaghanCC/searchtypes by searching under Monaghan County Council and entering the address of the development.

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 before 5pm on 3^rd of November 2022.

 Signed: Gareth McMahon

 Director of Services

 Monaghan County Council

 Dated 22^nd of September 2022

Monaghan County Council, in conjunction with Fáilte 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 here:

 THE VISION FOR LOUGH MUCKNO ESTATE August 2021

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.

The public consultation period for this phase has now closed. A stakeholder consultation report will issue in due course, with the overall report due for completion in early 2023.

Below is a link to the information provided at the public consultation event:

 

P22-139 Public Consultation Content – Public Exhibition Display (PDF)

 

                               

                                                                                               

Monaghan County Council is delighted to be shortlisted in 5 award categories in the 2022 Excellence in Local Government (ELG) Awards.  The Awards, sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, showcase best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work, innovation and enthusiasm within local government that can often go unrecognised.

The Awards highlight the important work that is carried out by local authorities for the benefit of local communities.

Monaghan County Council has been shortlisted in 5 of the 15 categories:

Category	Project
Diversity & Inclusion	Sensory Stories
Festival of the Year	Clones Film Festival
Heritage and Built Environment	Rossmore Forest Park
Supporting Sustainable Communities	Capacity Building through Community Planning
Sustaining the Arts	Elsewhere the Opera

 

Councillor Seán Conlon, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, commented, ‘That Monaghan County Council finds itself shortlisted for 5 Awards comes as no surprise considering the wealth of talent and expertise that prevails through our organisation. Collectively, the huge amount of effort applied throughout our various Sections delivers considerable results, with our shortlisted projects providing only a snapshot of our successful outcomes.  In collaboration with community groups, funding agencies and Government departments, the commitment and loyalty of our Council staff is evident throughout all these projects, and so many, many more. As Cathaoirleach, along with my fellow elected representatives, we reaffirm our support to assist and encourage staff colleagues in advancing all endeavours aimed at enhancing the lives of those who live, work, or come to visit County Monaghan’.

Ms. Patricia Monahan, Deputy Chief Executive, added ‘We are delighted to be shortlisted in 5 categories for these awards.  The awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward staff for innovative and worthwhile work.  It is especially gratifying to be able to celebrate projects that were brought to conclusion in recent years despite the unique constraints presented by the pandemic.  It is testament to the hard work and resilience of staff to see so many projects continuing to be delivered despite the unprecedented challenges that we have come through’.

The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, 24 November 2022.  Awards will be presented for excellence in 15 different categories and one Local Authority will be awarded the overall award and named Local Authority of the Year 2022.