Public Notice – MCC Civic Offices

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 on a site which forms part of the ‘Roosky Lands’, located to the north-east (rear) of Dublin Street, west of Monaghan Harps GAA Club and south-west of St Davnet’s Hospital, in the Townlands of Roosky and Tirkeenan, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan. A protected structure (RPS No. 41001248) is listed at the site, being the possible Site of a Fort.

The proposed development will consist of the following:

  1. Construction of a new civic office building consisting of:
  2. office accommodation with a cumulative gross floor area (GFA) of 5,601 sq.m distributed over 3 floors incorporating entrance foyer, office spaces, meeting rooms, staff canteen, Council chamber, public counter and reception desk, welfare facilities, internal landscaped courtyards and supporting spaces;
  3. external plant enclosure and single storey ESB substation and storage room at ground level; and
  4. covered services enclosure at ground level containing waste store room, plant, water tanks, UPS room, power distribution and supply rooms, and fire escape.
  5. Surface car parking spaces and drop-off area.
  • Bicycle parking spaces.
  1. Improvement works to existing road infrastructure and the provision of pedestrian, cycle and vehicular links comprising:
  2. extension (approx. 120m in length) to existing vehicular route on Slí Ógie Uí Dhufaigh along the route of the existing Ulster Canal Greenway;
  3. realignment of portion of the existing greenway;
  4. construction of a priority junction on existing roadway serving Roosky Vale at the interface with the extended Slí Ogie Uí Dhufaigh;
  5. provision of a new 13m clear span bridge over the River Shambles;
  6. provision of new combined vehicular/pedestrian link, ‘Quarry Walk’ (approx. 460m in length) comprising a 5.5m vehicular carriageway, two-way cycle track, footpaths, and roadside SuDs swale;
  7. provision of a replacement vehicular access to Monaghan Harps GAA club and associated pedestrian links;
  8. upgrade of existing pedestrian route (Davnet’s Row) to Diamond Centre; and
  9. upgrades to the existing Infirmary Hill Path to improve link to Old Cross Square.
  10. Works to facilitate potential future pedestrian and cyclist connections to the adjoining Diamond Centre and the existing public right of way known locally as ‘Pump Entry’.
  11. Signage is to be erected consisting of:
  12. Wayfinding signage at 4 locations; to the south-west at Davnet’s Row Plaza, to the south along Davnet’s Row, to the east at the junction between Infirmary Road and Davnet’s Row and at the proposed entrance on Infirmary Road.
  13. Building identity signage comprising 2.1m x 2.1m backlit logo panels on the north-east and south-west facades at building entry points and will include 300mm high text to read Monaghan County Council.
  • Provision of surface water attenuation, diversion of existing watermain infrastructure and provision of new surface water, foul and watermain infrastructure.
  • Associated earthworks, utilities, landscaping, boundary treatments, lighting, roof-mounted solar PV on the civic office building and all ancillary site development works.

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 29.02.2024.

 

The plans and particulars of the proposed development may also be inspected online at www.monaghan.ie

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 14.03.2024.

 

Signed 

Cathal Flynn

Director of Services

Economic Development, Planning & Capital Projects

Monaghan County Council

Dated 01.02.2024

Proposed Dromore River Blueway (Ballybay to Lisnalong)

Monaghan County Council (MCC) has commissioned C.S. Pringle to develop infrastructural proposals for a Dromore River Blueway (Ballybay to Lisnalong)

As part of these proposals, MCC and CS Pringle wish to provide members of the public with an opportunity to view the proposals at a public information event which will take place in:

 

Scoil Éanna, Ballybay

On Wednesday, 7th February 2024

From 7:00pm to 9:00pm

 

 

MONAGHAN TOWN ST. PATRICKS DAY PARADE 2024

Community Organisations, Clubs, Schools and Businesses are invited to enter floats/walking groups into the 2024 Parade.

 This years theme is “Monaghan Folklore”.

 For ideas you could have a chat with your granny, grandad or neighbours about the Fairy Forts in Monaghan, take a walk in Rossmore Forest to see the Drumlin Giants or you could visit Bith at Slieve Beagh.

 Whatever your idea we are looking forward to seeing your floats so follow the link and complete the Application Form.  Any queries telephone 047 73777.

Application form here

 

HSE urges parents to make sure children and young people are vaccinated against measles

The HSE is urging parents to make sure children and young people are up to date with their MMR vaccine due to a rise in cases in parts of the UK and Europe. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.  We advise people to be vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Measles can be unpleasant and is a potentially serious and highly infectious disease that can spread easily through respiratory droplets. To safeguard our communities, the HSE recommends that people make sure they are up to date with MMR vaccine to prevent spread of the disease if cases occur in Ireland.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the National Immunisation Office, HSE said: “The importance of taking precautions to protect both the individual and the community from measles cannot be understated. While measles is preventable through vaccination, the virus spreads very quickly between people who are not vaccinated and can have severe consequences, particularly for babies and vulnerable groups.

“Getting vaccinated against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella is vitally important as these conditions can also lead to other serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. Remember, if you or your child has missed their childhood vaccines, it’s not too late to catch up.”

What you do to protect your family and community against measles

  1. Check Vaccination Status
  • Ensure that you and your family members are up-to-date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Contact your GP to check if your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
  • Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and protect against its complications. Two doses are recommended to be considered fully vaccinated. The first dose is given when your child is 12 months of age. It is important to get the first MMR on time at 12 months and not delay because measles is more severe in young children. The second dose is due when your child is in junior infants. If you or your family members have missed an MMR vaccine, it is strongly advised to schedule a vaccination appointment with your GP.
  • With the mid-term break coming up, it is particularly important that anyone travelling to the UK ensures they have received the right number of MMR vaccines for their age.
  1. Practice Good Hygiene
  • Maintain proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to reduce the risk of infection.
  1. Monitor for Symptoms
  • Stay vigilant for symptoms of measles. These include:
  • high fever
  • cough
  • runny nose
  • characteristic red rash.
  • If you or a family member develop these symptoms, or have been in contact with someone with measles, stay at home and contact your doctor by phone for advice, and inform healthcare providers of any recent travel history.
  • If you think someone in your family has measles, phone your doctor immediately for advice. Keep the child or adult at home and refrain from visitors coming to your home unless they know they are protected against measles (they have had two doses of MMR vaccine). 

Further information about the MMR vaccination is available at www.immunisation.ie.

See the HSE website for more information about the signs and symptoms, treatment and risks of measles https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles.

 

South Dublin Street & Backlands Regeneration Project

SIGNIFICANT FURTHER INFORMATION

Monaghan County Council previously applied for approval on 31st August 2022 from An Bord Pleanála for proposed development works south of Dublin Street and its backlands in the townlands of Roosky and Tirkeenan, within Monaghan Town Centre. The proposed development covers an area of approximately 2.72ha and comprises urban regeneration and public realm proposals, as part of the South Dublin Street and Backlands Regeneration Project (ref. ABP-314501-22).

The further information submission is available to view online from Thursday 25th January 2024 to Wednesday 6th March 2024 (inclusive of both dates), at the links below:

South Dublin Street Monaghan FI Response Cover Letter December 2023 – F02

South Dublin Street Monaghan – Additional Information

http://South Dublin Street Monaghan EIAR – Dec 2023.

This information is also available in hard copy to inspect and purchase at the following locations:

  • Monaghan County Council Planning Offices, 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan, H18 X982 between 09:15-13.00hrs and 13.30-17.00hrs from Thursday 25th January 2024 to Wednesday 6th March 2024 (inclusive of both dates).
  • The offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 between 09:15hrs and 17:30hrs from Thursday 25th January 2024 to Wednesday 6th March 2024 (inclusive of both dates).

Submissions and Observations

Any person may, within the period of 6 weeks from Wednesday 31st January 2024 to Wednesday 6th March 2024 (inclusive of both dates), make a submission or observations in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902 or online at www.pleanala.ie in respect of:

  1. the implications of the proposed development, if carried out, for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas concerned, and
  2. the likely effects on the environment or the likely effects on a European site, as the case may be, of the proposed development, if carried out.

Any submission or observations must also include the following information:

  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
  • the reasons, considerations, and arguments on which the submission or observations is or are based.

For persons who have already made a submission to An Bord Pleanála in relation to this application, a further submission or observation can be made to the Board without requiring payment of a fee. Further submissions or observations can be submitted to the Board by hand or by post to the offices of An Bord Pleanála at 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902, or by email to laps@pleanala.ie.

For those who have not previously made a submission to An Bord Pleanála in relation to this application, any submission or observations must be accompanied by a fee of €50 (except for certain prescribed bodies). Submissions or observations can be submitted to An Bord Pleanála by hand or by post to the offices of the Board at 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902, or through the Board’s online SIDS portal at the following link: https://online.pleanala.ie/en-ie/sid/observation.

Any submission or observations must be received by An Bord Pleanála not later than 17.30hrs on Wednesday 6th March 2024.  Submissions or observations duly made will be considered by An Bord Pleanála in making a decision on the application.

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.

 

YOUR VOICE MATTERS AND YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT – REGISTER OF ELECTORS

It is now your responsibility to ensure that you’re registered to vote.

The Register of Electors for the Referendum taking place on 8th March 2024 has been closed.

If you are not registered, you can still apply to be included in the appendix to the Register.

Please submit your application on or before the closing date:

Tuesday 20th February 2024

To be eligible to vote in a Referendum:

  • You must be 18 years of age on or before 8th March 2024;
  • You must be full time living at the address at which you wish to be registered;
  • You must have Irish citizenship.

 

How to apply:

  • On-line on checktheregister.ie
  • Hard copy forms (ERF1) are available at all council buildings, local libraries and post offices. Completed forms must be returned to: Register of Electors, Monaghan County Council, The Glen, Killygowan, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 YT50.

If you applied to have your address changed after 18th January 2024 and your old and new addresses are within the same Local Electoral Area, the change of address will not come into effect until after 8th March 2024. Therefore, you must vote from your old address for the forthcoming Referendum.

WON’T BE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE POLLING STATION ON POLLING DAY?

If your illness or disability or the circumstances of your occupation or study are preventing you from attending a polling station on polling day, you may be entitled to vote by post.

If you have had an illness/disability postal vote in the last general election in 2020, there is no need to re-apply.

Visit checktheregister.ie to download a form or contact Monaghan County Council on 047 30 551 or email register@monaghancoco.ie to check your postal voter status or to enquire about your eligibility.

Applications for entry onto the postal voters list must be received on or before the closing date:

Monday 12th February 2024

For any enquires please email register@monaghancoco.ie or phone 047 30551.

 

Carmel O’Hare

Director of Services

Corporate Services

25th January 2024

South Dublin Street & Backlands Regeneration Project

Significant FURTHER INFORMATION

in relation to an application to An Bord Pleanála for approval under Section 175 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

South Dublin Street and Backlands Regeneration Project

Monaghan County Council previously applied for approval on 31st August 2022 from An Bord Pleanála for proposed development works south of Dublin Street and its backlands in the townlands of Roosky and Tirkeenan, within Monaghan Town Centre. The proposed development covers an area of approximately 2.72ha and comprises urban regeneration and public realm proposals, as part of the South Dublin Street and Backlands Regeneration Project (ref. ABP-314501-22).

Notice is hereby given that further information in relation to the proposed development has been furnished to the Board to address alterations to the scheme originally proposed. The proposed amendments include the following elements:

  • Development of pedestrian civic plaza
  • Environmental improvements in alleyways
  • Construction of structural masonry walls and new gable elevation treatments to No’s 7 and 12-13 Dublin Street (amended from previous submission)
  • Retention of outbuilding to the rear of No. 24 Dublin Street
  • Construction of new road / street layouts and public realm comprising new surfaces, kerbing, street furniture, public street and feature lighting, soft landscape planting, cycle parking and signage (amended from previous submission)
  • New boundary treatments comprising walls, railings and fencing
  • All associated site development works

LINK TO FURTHER INFO – https://monaghan.ie/south-dublin-street-backlands-regeneration-project-2/

Location: Properties at 7- 13 Dublin Street, lands to the rear of 1-9 The Diamond and 1-26 Dublin Street, incorporating sections of the Northern Standard property, the Courthouse car park, Lower Courthouse car park, Castle Road, and N54 Macartan (Broad) Road, in the townlands of Roosky and Tirkeenan, Monaghan Town Centre, Monaghan.

Amendments to the original Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) have been undertaken to take account of the revised proposals, and this information is included as part of the submission of further information in respect of the proposed development.

The significant further information will be available for inspection free of charge, or may be purchased on payment of a specified fee (which shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making a copy) at:

  • Monaghan County Council Planning Offices, 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan, H18 X982 between 09:15-13.00hrs and 13.30-17:00hrs
  • The Offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 between 09:15hrs and 17:30hrs

The significant further information may also be inspected online at the following website: https://monaghan.ie/

Any person may, within the period of 5 weeks from Wednesday 31st January 2024 to Wednesday 6th March 2024 (inclusive of both dates), make a submission or observations in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902 or online at www.pleanala.ie in respect of:

  1. the implications of the proposed development, if carried out, for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas concerned, and
  2. the likely effects on the environment or the likely effects on a European site, as the case may be, of the proposed development, if carried out.

Submissions or observations duly made will be considered by An Bord Pleanála in making a decision on the application. Any submission or observations must be received by An Bord Pleanála not later than 17:30pm on Wednesday 6th March 2024 and must also include the following information:

  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.

For persons who have already made a submission to An Bord Pleanála in relation to this application, a further submission or observation can be made to the Board without requiring payment of a fee. Further submissions or observations can be submitted to the Board by hand or by post to the offices of An Bord Pleanála at 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902, or by email to laps@pleanala.ie.

For those who have not previously made a submission to An Bord Pleanála in relation to this application, any submission or observations must be accompanied by a fee of €50 (except for certain prescribed bodies). Submissions or observations can be submitted to An Bord Pleanála by hand or by post to the offices of the Board at 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902, or through the Board’s online SIDS portal at the following link: https://online.pleanala.ie/en-ie/sid/observation.

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

The Board may decide to: (a)(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 as so modified; or (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 any approval; or (b) refuse to approve the proposed development.

A person may question the validity of a decision of the Board by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No.15 of 1986) in accordance with section 50 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Information in respect of the judicial review process can be accessed on the Bord’s website https://online.pleanala.ie/en-ie/judicial-review-notice or on the Citizens Information Service website www.citizensinformation.ie.

 Signed: Mr. Cathal Flynn, Director of Services, Monaghan County Council

Date: Thursday 25th January 2024

Monaghan County Council has submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála seeking approval under Sections 175 and 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) for the above project.

The planning application submission is available to view online from Wednesday 7th September 2022 to Wednesday 19th October 2022 (inclusive of both dates), at the links below:

 

 

This information is also available in hard copy to inspect and purchase at the following locations:

  • Monaghan County Council Planning Offices, 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan, H18 X982 between 09:15-13.00hrs and 13.30-17.00hrs from Wednesday 7th September 2022 to Wednesday 19th October 2022 (inclusive of both dates).
  • The offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 between 09:15hrs and 17:30hrs from Wednesday 7th September 2022 to Wednesday 19th October 2022 (inclusive of both dates).

 

Submissions and Observations

Any person may, within the period of 6 weeks from Wednesday 7th September 2022 to Wednesday 19th October 2022 (inclusive of both dates), make a submission or observations in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902 or online at www.pleanala.ie in respect of:

  1. the implications of the proposed development, if carried out, for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas concerned, and
  2. the likely effects on the environment or the likely effects on a European site, as the case may be, of the proposed development, if carried out.

 

Any submission or observations must also include the following information:

  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 must be accompanied by a fee of €50 (except for certain prescribed bodies) and must be received by An Bord Pleanala not later than 17.30hrs on Wednesday 19th October 2022.  Submissions or observations duly made will be considered by An Bord Pleanála in making a decision on the application.

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 Pleanala.

(Submission received)

ABP Cover Letter

An Taisce

Heritage Council

Sheridan

Eddie OGara Love Monaghan Save Dublin St

Dept of Housing Local Government and Heritage

 

Storm Isha Update – County Monaghan

Monaghan County Council are continuing to respond to reports of fallen trees, debris and other damages across the county.

The following roads remain closed due to Storm Isha.

Monaghan MD 

  • L 1020, Tydavnet to Scotstown Road at Mullaghinshigo
  • L5160 /L 51601 Killybressal Road to N2, North of Emyvale
  • L 5001 Derrynahesco, Knockatallon
  • L5311 Terrycaffe, Tyholland,
  • L 5460 Shanmullagh Road, Clontibret

 

Ballybay/Clones MD 

  • R162 Drumcreenan
  • LP03403 McNallys Road, Cremartin
  • L2241 Scotshouse to Redhills Road
  • L2240 Scotshouse to Redhills Road
  • LP02201 Tullyreas
  • LP02202 Tullyreas
  • LP03130 Caraveagh
  • LP03101 Creeve
  • Togan, Threemilehouse
  • R183 Ballybay/Swans Cross Road

 

Carrickmacross/Castleblayney MD

  • L3210 Milehill Road, Castleblaney
  • L4040 Flood Road, Shantonagh –
  • R183 Marrons Garage, Castleblaney
  • L8660 Rossdreenagh, close to Dundalk Road
  • L75032 Annaglough

 

Deis Mhaoinithe do Sheachtain na Gaeilge – Funding Opportunity for Seachtain na Gaeilge

An bhféadfadh an grúpa pobail agatsa cur le cur chun cinn na nGaeilge i gContae Mhuineacháin le linn 2024?

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 Gaeltachta

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 9 Feabhra 2024.

Could your community group contribute to the promotion of Irish Language in County Monaghan during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2024?

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 Gaeltachta

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 9th  February 2024.

 

 

Monaghan project highlighted in new booklet celebrating 25 years of Heritage Officer work

15 January, 2024

A special Heritage Council publication featuring stories from heritage officers in every county is being launched today to mark 25 years since the Heritage Officer Network was founded. The booklet, ‘Opening the door to Ireland’s heritage’ details one key heritage project from each local authority from the last three years which collectively, highlight the enormous contribution the Network has made to the preservation of our heritage over the last quarter of a century.

The story features details of the ‘Magic Under Monaghan’ film that grabbed the attention of young people across the county. Its aim was to explain the wonder of Monaghan’s bogs in way that was educational, but also entertaining and accessible. Young people are increasingly concerned about environmental degradation, and with that can come anxiety about the effects of climate change. The entertaining and satirical approach in the film aimed to lift the worry enough for them to see practical solutions.

The film is locally significant while addressing the overarching global themes of climate change and biodiversity loss. It clearly illustrates the values of Sliabh Beagh, the cross-border expanse of blanket bog where filming took place over five days. Talented children’s TV presenter John Sharpson presents the film and is well known as Múinteoir John from RTÉ Home School Hub. The film was distributed to all schools in the county and has assumed a pivotal role within their interpretation and educational resources. ‘Magic Under Monaghan’ was shortlisted in the Sustainable Environment & Biodiversity category in the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2023.

It can be viewed from the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru5YBcifvDQ

In a partnership between the Heritage Council and local authorities, the first heritage officers were appointed in 1999 in Kerry, Sligo and Galway with the aim of raising awareness of heritage issues within the local authority and among local communities. Since then, the heritage officer network has become synonymous with the protection and promotion of Ireland’s heritage and for the first time in 2021, every local authority in the country had appointed somebody to the role.

While highlighting the important work they do, the stories in the publication also offer a stark insight into what may have been lost were it not for the heritage officers. Mangan’s Clock in the heart of Cork city may have fallen into disrepair. The most historic buildings in Ballyshannon or Listowel may have been left derelict and allowed to crumble. The natural beach and dune habitats along the coast of Wicklow may have become irrevocably degraded and the craftsmanship of dry-stone walling on Inis Oirr may have receded.

The publication can be read in full on the Heritage Council website here:

https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/content/files/Opening-the-Door-to-Irelands-Heritage.pdf

More information about the Heritage Officer Network is available here:

https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/our-work-with-others/county-heritage-officers

Speaking on the launch of the booklet, Heritage Officer for Monaghan County Council, Kara Ward, said:

“It is deeply satisfying to see documented in this publication the influence of the Heritage Officer Network in shaping our approach to heritage conservation and protection. Although we work as individuals at local authority level, what is clear from these pages is that the real strength of the Network is in the collective. These stories cover only a snapshot of recently completed projects from current heritage officers, so when we factor in the hundreds of past projects completed since 1999, it brings into the focus the enormous impact that the Local Authority Heritage Officer Programme has had.”

Chairperson of the Heritage Council Martina Moloney added:

“I have had the pleasure of working extensively with our Heritage Officers over many years and am constantly amazed by the shear variety of their work which is excellently captured in this beautiful publication. Not only do they provide advice, guidance, and information on all aspects of heritage, but they also secure funding, undertake research, collect data, and develop and lead a multitude of highly impactful and engaging projects. Raising awareness locally, Heritage Officers inspire communities to value and take ownership of their important local heritage in all its forms. What their work achieves, ultimately, is that it opens the door to our heritage for people across Ireland and further afield, so that it can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone.”

John Mulholland, Chair of the CCMA Rural Development, Community, Culture and Heritage (RCCH) Committee also attended the launch, and said:

“What has always stood out to me about the Heritage Officer Network is the range and number of individuals, groups and funders involved in the projects they undertake. It is very difficult to keep such a diverse range of interested parties singing off the same hymn sheet and getting the job done. This is the silent but tireless work of the Heritage Officers at play, to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude. On behalf of the CCMA, I commend them for their dedication.”