World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims to be commemorated this Sunday.

The annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is commemorated annually on the third Sunday of November, with commemorations to remember the victims of road traffic crashes and their families taking place around the country.

Speaking in advance of this year’s commemoration, Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer with Monaghan County Council reflected on the numbers who have lost their lives on  our roads, with four fatalities to date in 2021 in County Monaghan, an increase of one compared to the same period in 2020. “These figures don’t include the countless numbers left with life changing injuries over the same period which never make the news. We all know someone whose lives have been deeply affected by the loss of a friend, colleague, neighbour or member of the community. The effect on our emergency services, who deal with the consequences of crashes daily, is profound” said Adrian.

Monaghan County Council is inviting businesses and householders to ‘Shine a Light’ between 7 and 8pm this Sunday for road crash victims. An amber or white light will shine on all Monaghan County Council public buildings while people are also invited to shine a light in their front windows of the evening.

A special remembrance mass will also be broadcast live on RTE 1 TV this Sunday at 11am.

A renewed focus for World Day of Remembrance this year is on the victims of serious injuries and their families. 24,663 people have died on our roads since we began recording fatalities in 1959. Since 1977, when injury records began, 84,977 people have been seriously injured.

Provisional figures show that 119 people have been killed on Irish roads as at 18^th November 2021 which represents a decrease of 16 deaths compared to the same date last year.

 

The Community Monuments Scheme is open for applications for 2022.  Closing date for application to Monaghan County Council is 15 February 2022.  Applications and queries can be sent to heritage@monaghancoco.ie

This scheme is funded by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government.

CMF C Recoupment Claim 2022

CMF B Appraisal 2022 IRISH

CMF B Appraisal 2022 ENGLISH

CMF A Application 2022 IRISH

CMF A Application 2022 ENGLISH

CMF Conflict Of Interest Form

Explanatory Memo CMF2022 IRISH

Explanatory Memo CMF2022 ENGLISH

Circular CMF2022 IRISH

Circular CMF2022 English

YOU CAN’T VOTE IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED
Check the Draft Register online at www.checktheregister.ie or at any of the following offices to see if you are registered:

Monaghan County Council, County Offices, The Glen, Monaghan
Monaghan Municipal District
Ballybay-Clones Municipal District
Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District
At any Post Office or Garda Station

If your name is not included then you should fill up an Application Form (RFA1) before 25th November, 2021. RFA1 Forms can be picked up at the above locations or can be downloaded from https://monaghan.ie/register-of-electors/ or www.checktheregister.ie

Road Works Speed Limit Order

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Road Traffic Act 2004 Section 10 (1) of the Council’s intention to put in place a Temporary Speed Limit for Road Works on the road listed below in the Municipal District of Ballybay-Clones. The speed limit is being put in place in the interest of road safety as the road surface is an unfinished road surface.      

                 

50km/h speed limit signs will be in place at the following locations in the Municipal District of Ballybay – Clones	Townland Name	Start Date	End Date
LS6600 Dundrannan to Corravacan road for a distance of 1786m from its junction with the R183 to its junction with the R188	Dundrannan, Derrykinnard, Enagh, Corravacan	18/11/2021	30/06/2022

 

G McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
18^th November 2021

____________________________________________________________

Temporary Closing of Roads

Monaghan County Council gives notice to close the following road in the Municipal District of Monaghan in County Monaghan:

Date of Closure:               29/11/2021 – 03/12/2021

Times:                                  08:00 – 18:00

To Facilitate:                     Road Works

Roads Closed:                    LP-1011 in the townland of Drumsheaver between the junctions with the LT10112 and the LT10113.

Diversion Route:              Westbound traffic Via the LS-5070 at the Townland of Clontybunnia.

Eastbound traffic Via the LS-5060 at the Townland of Derrynagad.

All Detours will be signposted in order to direct the Traffic. (Local Access and Emergency Vehicles will be catered for at all times).

This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993 (Section 75)
Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
18^th November 2021

 

 

 

 

November 15^th, 2021: The Department of Public Health HSE North East have seen a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the North East in recent weeks. More than 55,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the North East since the first cases were reported in March 2020.

The Department of Public Health North East are appealing to the public in the context of widespread transmission to do everything possible to stop this surge. It can only be achieved through collective action.

We are therefore asking you to:

• stay at home if unwell and
• at least halve your social activities for the next 4 weeks.

The infographic (see below) outlines the COVID-19 cases over time in the North East. The graph highlights how the number of cases reported so far in wave 4 has already surpassed the total number of cases reported during wave 3.

 

Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East, said: “The North East region has reached another milestone of COVID-19 cases, as the number of cases crossed 50,000. Over half of this was recorded during the fourth wave. With nearly 2500 cases every week and 3000 cases in week 45, it represents some of the highest number of cases per week we have experienced during the pandemic. I am appealing to you all to stay at home if you are unwell. People around you will Thank you for doing so. At this time, when there is widespread community transmission, I ask you all to halve your social contacts as much as possible. We all need to play our part and follow public health guidelines to reduce community transmission in the region.”

“The pandemic is not over yet, and we are urging the public to be extra vigilant and act responsibly, in order to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Activities contributing to the increase in cases recently include indoor gatherings, household visits, family gatherings, social activities and onward transmission from social events into workplaces and schools. When COVID-19 is circulating in the community, the best way of reducing the number of cases is to reduce the level of socialising and ensuring that if you have symptoms, you take every effort not to spread the infection.”

“The COVID-19 vaccines are a powerful defence against contracting COVID-19 or passing it on to others. It’s not too late to avail of the free COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage those who have already had one dose to get their second vaccine and if you are eligible avail of the booster vaccine. There are several ways of getting your vaccination; through a vaccination centre by booking your vaccine online, at a vaccination centre that is offering a walk-in vaccination service or through a participating pharmacy.”

Dr Pereira added: “For now, we must continue to wear a face covering, frequently wash hands, keep a physical distance of two metres, avoid crowded places, and adhere to proper cough and sneeze etiquette. These actions are in our control and are effective. We ask that you continue these efforts and keep your guard up.”

“Testing and self-isolation is still critically important – if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and get a free PCR test as soon as possible. Even if you have been vaccinated, you must adhere to the guidelines as you could still pass the virus on to others.”

Dr Elaine Brabazon, Senior Surveillance Scientist at the Department of Public Health HSE North East, added: “The number of COVID-19 cases in Wave 4 in the North East have now surpassed the total cases during Wave 3. In some areas in the North East rates of COVID-19 are as high as 1 case in every 50 people. This represents significant force of the infection in our communities. This is a time we all need to pull together again. We would ask everyone in the North East and particularly Louth and Meath to stay safe and follow public health measures to reduce transmission as much as possible”.

Water quality in our rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal waters has deteriorated in recent years. We need urgent action to halt this decline and reverse the damage.

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) are asking for your views and comments on what needs to happen for the next six-years that can make a difference for water quality, nature, climate, and local communities.

Come along to an online meeting for PPN Members on Tuesday 30^th November at 7pm and let your views be heard.

The purpose of this meeting, which will comprise of a 30-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of Q&A and discussion, is to consider the issues affecting water quality in Monaghan’s rivers and lakes, and what is proposed to protect and restore them as outlined in the Draft River Basin Management Plan 2022-2027. Participants will also be informed as to how they can go about making submission on the Draft River Basin Management Plan.

The Draft Plan was published in September by the Government and is open for public consultation period until 31st March, 2022. You can download it here: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/2bda0-public-consultation-on-the-draft-river-basin-management-plan-for-ireland-2022-2027/.

You can also learn more about the Draft Plan via the Virtual Public Consultation Room and make a make a submission on the plan here: https://drbmp-vcr.ie/

If you wish to attend, please register in advance for this meeting by clicking on the link below:

https://lawaters-ie.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvdu-hqDosEtUewGPEJ0DVDtCkaDaDIk8E

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

A safer, more reliable water supply on the horizon for Newbliss, Monaghan as ageing water mains set for replacement

Thursday, 7 October 2021 – Irish Water, working in partnership with Monaghan County Council, is replacing over 3.2 km of damaged, old water mains in Newbliss, Co Monaghan to provide a more safe and secure water supply for customers in the local community. The works will also reduce the high level of leakage and improve water quality. As part of the project, the ageing water mains are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

Outlining the benefits of these works Declan Cawley, Irish Water, explained: “These essential works will benefit customers in Newbliss 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 as well as minimising disruptions in the customers water supply by reducing leakage and improving water quality.

“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 in the coming days and will take place along the R183 from Newbliss to Kileevan and onto St Livious Church. Works will also take place along the L2152 and the L21521. The works are due for completion in January 2022. Farrans Construction Ltd are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Irish Water.

This project is one example of how Irish Water is working in partnership with Monaghan County Council to reduce leaks every day. Fixing leaks can be complicated with over 63,000km of water pipe in Ireland. Most leaks aren’t visible, resulting in precious water being lost but we are making progress. In 2018 the rate of leakage nationally was 46%, by the end of 2019 it was 42%, it had reduced further to 40% at the end of 2020 and we are currently on course to achieving a national leakage rate of 38% by the end of 2021.

Declan added: “To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be some traffic management in place however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

“The works may involve some short-term water outages and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water outages. We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.

“This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network in Monaghan and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job.”

Customers can phone Irish Water on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or check out the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website for regular updates.

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. Its delivery represents an investment of over €500 million between 2017 and the end of 2021 to reduce leakage and replace old pipes on the water network.

Irish Water continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.

For more information on reducing leaks visit our national Leakage Reduction Programme page on www.water.ie.

The NTA wants your views on its proposals to improve public transport in rural Ireland. The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is an ambitious programme of enhancements to create a more integrated, accessible, and sustainable public transport network for rural Ireland.  The NTA will be holding online public information events on the 15th, 16th and 18th of November, these webinars will give you the opportunity to hear from the NTA team and to learn more about Connecting Ireland. For more information visit: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/consultations/connecting-ireland-consultation/

To register for one of the upcoming webinars, clink the relevant link below

Public Webinar 1 – Monday 15 November 11:00 AM

Public Webinar 2 – Tuesday 16 November 7:00 PM

Public Webinar 3 – Thursday 18 November 1:00 PM

Temporary Closing of Roads

Monaghan County Council gives notice of its intention to close the following road in the Municipal District of Monaghan in County Monaghan:

Date of Closure:               29/11/2021 – 03/12/2021

Times:                                  08:00hrs – 18:00hrs

Roads Closed:                    LP-1011 in the townland of Drumsheaver between the junctions with the LT10112 and the LT10113.

Diversion Route:              Westbound traffic via the LS-5070 at the Townland of Clontybunnia.

Eastbound traffic via the LS-5060 at the Townland of Derrynagad.

All detours will be signposted in order to direct the traffic. (Local Access and Emergency Vehicles will be catered for at all times).

Any interested person may lodge an objection to the closing of the above-mentioned road with the Head of Roads, Monaghan County Council, MTEK II Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan not later than Tuesday 16^th November 2021.  Any objections must be clearly marked on envelope “Objection to Road Closure”.

 

This notice complies with the Roads Act 1993 (Section 75)

Signed:
Gareth McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
Roads and Transportation
11^th November 2021

___________________________________________________________

Road Works Speed Limit Order

 

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Road Traffic Act 2004 Section 10 (1) of the Council’s intention to put in place Special Speed Limit for Road Works on the road listed below in the Municipal District of Ballybay-Clones. The speed limit is being put in place in the interest of road safety as the road surface is an unfinished road surface.      

                        

50km/h speed limit signs will be in place at the following locations in the Municipal District of Ballybay – Clones	Townland Name	Start Date	End Date
LS6511 Urcher to Drumalt road  For a distance of 2514m from its junction with the LP2500/2501 to its junction with the LS6501	Urcher, Corvoam, Drumgreeny, Tirardan,Drumalt	18/11/2021	30/06/2022

 

Signed
G McMahon
A/Senior Engineer
11^th November 2021

______________________________________________________________

Creation of a new pedestrian/cycling route between Coill Darach & Knocktornagh Housing Developments, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

Monaghan County Council are working under the 2021 Active Travel Investment Programme funded by the National Transport Authority to deliver various projects which will encourage journeys by walking or cycling within towns and villages in County Monaghan. We propose to enhance the permeability of this part of Castleblayney town by opening a direct pedestrian/cycling route from the rear of these residential estates and create a shortcut to the amenities in the Bree area. Local residents and the general public are invited to view these maps and plans from 12th – 26th November 2021 during business hours in the following locations:   Monaghan County Council, MTEK II, Armagh Road, Monaghan, H18Y H59

Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81 RY22

______________________________________________________________

Europe Direct Clones

 

Enter the Europe Direct Clones Soapbox Competition 2021 for your chance to win an iPad Mini and represent our region at the National Finals.

This year’s topic is ‘Lies, damned lies and statistics’ – establishing the truth is impossible in today’s world of misinformation, disinformation and propaganda.

This year the competition is going virtual so participants can record their speech and send it to us by the 18^th of November.  The winners will go forward to represent our region in the National Competition in December.

We are asking participants to video their 3 minute speech and send it to us to be judged by our panel of judges.  Regional winners will be sent forward for the National Final in December, (this will also be a virtual event).  There are 2 categories 16 & under and 17 & over with wonderful prizes to be won.

For an application form or to enter the competition contact eudirect@monaghancoco.ie

The closing date to receive entries is the 18^th of November at 5pm.

 

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Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022

Monaghan County Council is now inviting applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2022.

Overview

The BHIS seeks to encourage the investment of private capital in a number of small scale, labour intensive projects to repair and conserve historic structures and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons. The scheme is designed to assist the owners and/or occupiers of structures/properties that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).  It will be administered by Monaghan County Council’s Planning Section.

Eligibility

The categories of structures/properties eligible for funding under this scheme are:

• Protected Structures
• Proposed Protected Structures
• Structures/properties in Architectural Conservation Areas or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances are deemed by the Department to apply.

 

Funding available

The minimum funding award under this scheme will be €2,500, up to a maximum of €15,000.

Successful applicants will be required to, at a minimum, match their funding award. The overall allocation for County Monaghan in 2022 is €96,000.

How to apply

The BHIS 2022 Circular, application form and associated information are available to download at www.monaghan.ie . Hard copies are also available at Planning Reception.

Completed applications using Form A and accompanied by a comprehensive method statement must be submitted to Angela Gallagher, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan Town, H18 X982 or emailed to planning@monaghancoco.ie  on or before the 31^st January 2022.

Signed: Adrian Hughes
Acting Director of Service
Monaghan County Council
Date: 11^th November 2021

_________________________________________________________________________

Historic structures fund 2022

Monaghan County Council is now inviting applications under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2022.

Overview

The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund is on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.  It aims to enable conservation works to be carried out on heritage structures which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support. The scheme is designed to assist the owners and/or occupiers of structures/properties that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). It will be administered by Monaghan County Council’s Planning Section.

Project promoters are encouraged to incorporate a traditional skills training element in the project. Applications in respect of refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, and where a clear residential benefit is demonstrated, will be welcomed (subject to obtaining any necessary planning approvals).

The funding streams for 2022 are as follows:-

1. Stream 1 will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.
2. Stream 1, Historic Shopfronts sub-stream is aimed at incentivising the refurbishment and conservation of historic shopfronts and Irish-language shopfronts and will fund small capital works to their facades, windows, signage and other associated details. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.
3. Stream 2 will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or a clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (subject to obtaining any necessary planning approvals). Successful applicants will be required to, at a minimum, match their funding award by 50% of eligible costs. In exceptional circumstances a higher percentage may be sought, subject to a maximum of 80% of eligible costs. Grant may be phased over two years.
4. Vernacular Structures Stream – will offer funding of between €5,000 and €10,000 to support conservation repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected to safeguard the structure and keep it in use. Such structures may be located within an Architectural Conservation Area or comprise ‘informal’ traditional buildings, which are a significant part of our intangible cultural heritage. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.

Projects in Partnership – Works to care for historic structures and buildings in public ownership and to improve recreational infrastructure and public access to these heritage assets. The Minister may designate part of the Fund for projects in partnership with State-funded organisations such as the Office of Public Works, the Irish Heritage Trust, Waterways Ireland, The Irish Landmark Trust and others, to care for historic structures and buildings in public ownership and improve recreational infrastructure and public access to these heritage assets. Funds will be determined on a case by case basis.

Streams 1 and 2, Historic Shopfronts sub stream and Partnership Projects

In respect of projects categorised under Streams 1 and 2, the Historic Shopfronts sub stream and any Partnership Projects designated by the Minister the categories of structures/properties eligible for funding under this scheme are:

• Protected Structures
• Proposed Protected Structures
• Structures/properties in Architectural Conservation Areas

or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances apply.

Eligible projects will be as follows:

1. a) projects proposed by local authorities on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of historic structures
2. b) projects proposed by a Local Authority for works to historic structures in public ownership, where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated
3. c) projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit proposed directly to the Department by a State-funded organisation working in the heritage area.

Vernacular Structures Stream

Vernacular structures are the buildings and other built features of what can be termed the ‘informal’ or vernacular landscape. Vernacular builders worked within traditional systems using techniques passed down within the family and local community. Thus, the vernacular is a significant part of our intangible cultural heritage. In respect of the Vernacular Structures Stream applications can be accepted from the following :

1. a) Owners of vernacular structures that are not listed in the Record of Protected Structures
2. b) Owners of vernacular structures within an Architectural Conservation Area, but not otherwise subject to statutory protection.

Eligible projects will be as follows:

1. a) Projects proposed by local authorities on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of vernacular structures
2. b) Projects proposed by local authorities for works to vernacular structures in public ownership where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated

Note: Only one application will be considered per vernacular structure or applicant. Applicants cannot also avail of funding under the main Historic Structures Fund 2022 or under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022.

How to apply

The HSF 2022 Circular outlines full details of the terms and conditions of the various funding streams. The Circular and application form are available to download at www.monaghan.ie

Hard copies are also available at the Planning Offices Reception.

Completed applications using Form A and accompanied by a comprehensive method statement must be submitted to Angela Gallagher, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan Town, H18 X982 or emailed to planning@monaghancoco.ie  on or before the 31^st January 2022.

Signed: Adrian Hughes
Acting Director of Service
Monaghan County Council
Date: 11^th November 2021

Over November and December, Monaghan County Museum, in collaboration with Pegasus Consulting and the producers of RTE Radio’s History Show, will present a series of lectures on the changing Ireland of one hundred years ago.
The talks will be available online through the Museum’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MonaghanCountyMuseum