News

Monaghan County Council is aware that households in our area may have received a notice of termination from their landlord and may be unsure about what to do.

Anybody who has received a notice of termination and who has no alternative accommodation can contact Monaghan County Council.

Monaghan County Council first response will be to support households to try to prevent homelessness.

Where a person or household is eligible for social housing:
Monaghan County Council will assess the availability of social housing properties or advise the person or household on the level of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) they may be eligible to receive.

In some cases, Monaghan County Council will assess if the property in which the tenant currently resides is suitable for acquisition if it is being offered for sale and the owner is interested in selling to the local authority. In prioritising properties for acquisition, consideration will be given to aspects such as cost and value, condition of the property, size and suitability for tenants. If there are social housing units available via the local authority or an Approved Housing Body, allocation to these will also be considered.

Where a person or household is not eligible for social housing:
Monaghan County Council can assess and refer households for the Cost Rental Tenant-in-Situ scheme managed by the Housing Agency and provide advice or direct to appropriate services.

The Cost Rental Tenant-in-Situ scheme is available for tenants who are not eligible for social housing and are at risk of homelessness. Local authorities are a first point of contact for this scheme but it is managed by the Housing Agency. Under the scheme the Housing Agency can purchase a property and rent it to the tenant. Local authorities will undertake an initial assessment of the tenant’s circumstances and refer details to the Housing Agency for consideration, where the tenant is at risk of homelessness and the Cost Rental Tenant-in-Situ scheme applies.

Where a tenant wishes to purchase their home, local authorities can advise and support on the Local Authority Home Loan scheme. We are aware that the Government is examining implementing a ‘right of first refusal’ for tenants to purchase their homes, as well as expanding the First Home shared equity scheme. Monaghan County Council will be able to provide more information on these when available.

We would like to assure households that emergency accommodation will be a last resort only, where no other appropriate alternative can be identified. Households in emergency accommodation will be supported to access more permanent accommodation.

Monaghan County Council will continue to deal with notice of termination queries and cases as quickly as possible, while taking account of circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Tenants may also wish to contact the Residential Tenancies Board, Threshold or other tenant support services for support and advice on tenant rights.

If you require further information, the  designated contact for Notice of Termination queries is

Ms. Miriam McMahon mmcmahon@monaghancoco.ie  047-30552

Monaghan County Council is in the process of developing a new Tourism Strategy for the county for the next 5 years which will set out a clearly articulated, refreshed vision for driving sustainable, innovative, resilient and inclusive tourism sector growth in Monaghan.

This Online Survey, facilitated by Monaghan County Council’s Tourism Unit, aims to give interested parties an opportunity to provide feedback to the consultancy team commissioned to develop the new Monaghan Tourism Strategy 2023-2028.

At a time of great change and opportunity for Monaghan, this strategy needs your input whether from a service provider, community, visitor, tourism trade or business perspective.

This survey should take about 12-15 minutes to complete. This important part of the consultation process will close on April 30^th, 2023. All information provided is private and confidential and will be used only for the purposes of research and analysis to inform the new Monaghan Tourism Strategy.   

Please click below to commence the survey:

HAVE YOUR SAY SURVEY

 

A male, black and white, Hound Cross wearing a blue collar, no microchip, approximately 10 years old was found at Skeagh Bridge, Smithboro Co. Monaghan this morning Friday 31st March.  For further information please contact All Creatures Vets, Tullyherim, Armagh Rd., Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, 047 83733.

Assistance for 95 built heritage projects provided under Historic Structures Fund 2023

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan TD, today announced that 95 heritage projects across the country will benefit from a total of €4.5m under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

In addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, this funding will also provide a welcome boost to local construction and heritage trades by facilitating works with a total value of over €8m and generating more employment (an estimated 11,250 days’ labour), including for specialist heritage roles such as thatching and stone work.

The HSF is one of two built heritage funding schemes which work in partnership with owners and the 31 local authorities to protect our built heritage – a key aim of Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan launched by the Minister last year. Today’s announcement follows the awarding earlier this month of €4.5m in funding under the Department’s other built heritage grant scheme – the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

By providing grants of between €15,000 and €200,000, the HSF assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas – to meet their obligations to care for their properties. The scheme provides assistance to a wide range of heritage structures, including castles, churches, mills, bridges, shopfronts, and thatch structures, as well as to private houses.

Among the 95 recipients of funding, this year’s HSF includes awards to:

• Red Stables Building, St. Anne’s Park, Dublin: funding of €200,000 for the re-slating of the Red Stables building roof (or part thereof), as recommended by a consultant conservation architect.
• St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Dublin Road, Monaghan: funding of €200,000 for urgent external refurbishment and stone conservation work to the spire, pinnacles tower, and south transept of the cathedral, and internal high-level plaster repairs.
• Former Mansion House, Mercy University Hospital, Cork: funding of €200,000 for the conservation and repair of the external envelope of the building, including stone repair, re-plastering, re-slating, leadwork, and window conservation.
• Birr Castle Suspension Bridge, Offaly: funding of €200,000 for the conservation and repair of the wrought-iron suspension footbridge within the grounds of Birr Castle demesne to bring it back into use.
• 20 Exchequer Street: funding of €37,500 for the reinstatement of the shopfront which is part of the George’s Street Arcade complex in Dublin City Centre.

In cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, a grant has also been offered under the Irish-language shopfront stream. Nine larger projects awarded funding over two years under HSF 2022 will also be funded this year.

Announcing the awards today, Minister Noonan said:

‘I am delighted to announce another €4.5m investment in our built heritage. This year’s Historic Structures Fund will assist 95 owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across the country as they carry out hundreds of conservation projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage. I am particularly pleased to announce the increased number of awards made to vernacular structures. Through this investment, this Government continues to celebrate the value and diversity of our built heritage, while also supporting traditional building skills. These actions also continue to help us deliver on our commitments to built heritage under Heritage Ireland 2030, the national heritage plan which I launched last year.’

Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said:

‘It is great to see the increased number and range of projects which will be supported by this investment of €4.5m under the Historic Structures Fund. Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, this Government is continuing its commitment to safeguard our rich built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use. The funded works will also have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country.’

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell, TD, also welcomed the announcement, stating:

‘Thanks to the close working relationship between the Department and the Local Authorities, particularly the Architectural Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers and planning and administrative staff, schemes such as the Historic Structures Fund continue to be successful in the repair and renewal of our shared built heritage.’

 

An annual grants scheme for the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings and related structures.

The Heritage Council, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, manages the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme. The principal objective of this scheme is to ensure that traditional farm buildings and other related structures that contribute to the character of the landscape and are of significant heritage value, are conserved for active agricultural use.

The 2023 grant scheme is now open for applications.

You must apply online for this grant scheme through the Heritage Council’s online grants management system located here: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/on-line-grants-system

For more information on the grant click here:

https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/traditional-farm-buildings-grant-scheme

 

Friday 24 March 2023: With the busy summer season around the corner homes and businesses in Tullyhirm, Monaghan are looking forward to a more secure and reliable water supply.

Uisce Éireann crews will arrive in the town in the coming weeks to begin work on replacing more than 350m of old water mains which are susceptible to regular bursts. 

 

The new pipes along the N12, Armagh Road, will put a stop to bursts, outages and leakage and give customers much more confidence in their local water supply. 

Uisce Éireann’s Networks Programme Manager Declan Cawley is looking forward to getting this Monaghan project underway. 

“Fewer bursts and less leakage will ensure a more reliable supply for homes and businesses in Tullyhirm. Securing Monaghan’s water supply is a priority for Uisce Éireann and it is great to see this work commencing in Tullyhirm, which will reduce the risk of outages from bursts now and into the future.” 

 

Farrans Construction will carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann and the works are due to be completed this May. 

 

Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. In order to safely deliver the works, traffic management will be in place along the N12, Armagh Road during the works. Locals can be assured that local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

 

The essential works may involve some short-term water interruptions, but the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned interruptions. 

Declan continued: “We understand that this type of work is inconvenient, and our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption to the local people.  These works are essential for Tullyhirm and the long-term benefits including reliability of supply and reduced leaks will far outweigh any short-term inconvenience. We thank the community for their patience and co-operation.” 

 

This project forms part of Uisce Eireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme and will help us achieve our 2030 goal of a national leakage rate of 25%. The National Leakage Reduction team has made great strides since 2018 when the leakage rate stood at 46%. 

 

Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the national 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 national Leakage Reduction Programme, please visit www.water.ie/reducingleaks 

 

 

Today (Friday, 24^th March), the HSE National Health Protection Service has announced that it is developing a new strategy to tackle TB in Ireland to deliver on World Health Organization (WHO) targets to reduce the incidence of TB and deaths from the disease.

Today marks World TB Day and provides a timely opportunity to raise awareness of TB, according to the Director of the HSE Health Protection Service, Dr Éamonn O’Moore: “TB is a priority programme within the HSE Health Protection Strategy. TB is an important infectious disease, which is still causing problems in Ireland and around the world. For the vast majority of people diagnosed, TB is treatable and curable. Early detection is important and avoids health complications for those infected and less risk of transmission to others.

“Our strategy aims to tackle TB in Ireland during this current decade delivering on WHO targets in the End TB Strategy to reduce TB incidence by 80%, TB deaths by 90%, and to eliminate catastrophic costs for TB-affected households by 2030”, said Dr O’ Moore.

Dr O’ Moore also noted that some groups may be at higher risk of TB. These include people who are homeless, people who are substance users and those who have hazardous alcohol drinking behaviours, people who are or have been in prison, and those who are born overseas in countries with higher levels of infection.

There were 222 cases of tuberculosis notified in Ireland in 2022. This equates to a rate of 4.3/100,000 population (using 2022 Census denominator). This is a slight increase compared to 2021 but is still below pre-pandemic levels.

Dr O’ Moore continues, “Not everyone at risk of TB realises this. The HSE Health Protection Service are working in partnership with others to raise awareness and to improve diagnostic and treatment pathways particularly with those at higher risk of infection. This work is person-centred, informed by the people we serve and sensitive to cultural, social and economic issues among people at higher risk of TB.

“Work on TB is not simply about health care but also recognises the need for wider supports to people directly and indirectly impacted by TB, considering wider social determinants of health in a public health approach to reduce infection and support people living healthier lives.”

Symptoms of Tuberculosis can include:

• Coughing for a prolonged period
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Chest pain, pain with breathing or coughing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Chills

Monaghan County Council receives an annual limited allocation to deliver the Housing Grant Schemes and wishes to advise that applications are now being accepted under the following schemes up to 30^th June 2023 for works to be completed before end of the current year:

• Housing Adaptation Grant for People with Disabilities
• Mobility Aids Grant for People with Mobility/Disability Needs
• Housing Aid for Older People Grant (66 years or over)

To have your application fully assessed and to avoid delay please also ensure applications are completed IN FULL and that all appropriate supporting documentation (as per scheme guidelines) are attached.

(Please note: Incomplete applications form will be returned to applicant)

Application Forms and Guidelines are available to download from Monaghan County Council Website at www.monaghan.ie.  Alternatively, you may contact the Housing Grants Office by telephone on 047 30503 (Monday – Friday 9:15am – 5:15pm) or by email to mcarey@monaghancoco.ie

 

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday 7^th March, the Garage Theatre in Monaghan hosted the premier of a new short film about peatlands, carbon and climate staring John Sharpson, well known as Múinteoir John from the RTE schools’ hub.  Magic under Monaghan is a short film for young people, but with a universal reach, exploring links between our peatlands and wetlands heritage, and climate change action. Filmed on Sliabh Beagh, Monaghan’s only expanse of blanket bog habitat, it demonstrates both the beauty of the area and the crucial role peatlands play for our planetary health.

The creation and production of Magic Under Monaghan has been funded through Monaghan’s Creative Ireland programme and was led by the Heritage Office in the council.

The production team at Macalla was spearhead by talented producer Sharon Newman. Magic Under Monaghan is energetically presented by John Sharpson, well-known as TV school’s hub Múinteoir John, soon to be better known as a bog buddie, with his two animated friends Pete and Fen.

Cllr. Sean Conlon, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council who attended and spoke at the launch explained “how by preserving and restoring peatlands, nature can help keep stores of greenhouse gases in the peat, and the mosses can continue to absorb carbon dioxide from the air.  With EU funding, Monaghan County Council has started restoration work and has put in well over a thousand peat dams to block drains in the blanket bog on Sliabh Beagh over the last few years.”

The Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Patricia Monahan, noted the wetland advocacy work done through the Heritage Office over several years and noted that, “Over a decade ago, the Heritage Office examined the ecosystem benefits deriving from six types of wetlands in the county, and at that stage the carbon store in Slaibh Beagh was estimated to be worth €50million.  This was a conservative figure at the time.  One can only imagine how much more this would be now, using the sophisticated methods for assessment currently available.”

Ms. Monahan also referred to the new climate action team that is being created in the council and the recruitment of a Biodiversity Officer which is underway at present.

The chair of the County Monaghan Heritage Forum, Cllr. Aoife McCooey noted how the forum had been anticipating the launch of the film, having been privy to an early cut at a forum meeting. She made the point that “as a teacher myself, I know how important climate and biodiversity action issues are for young people.  But I’m also very aware that these issues are not of their making and that it’s the organisations like Monaghan County Council who must lead the way in ensuring sustainable decisions are made for all generations.”

Cllr. McCooey thanked the continued partnership between Monaghan County Council and the Heritage Council, which enables best practice and technical expertise to be widely shared across the country.

John Sharpson, presenter and Sharon Newman, producer attended the launch and stayed to speak with attendees afterwards.  John spoke about how much he enjoyed filming on Sliabh Beagh and getting into the many characters he plays in Magic Under Monaghan, and the learning curve about peatlands and climate he found himself on.  He hoped that the film would be shown widely and resonate with audiences.

The Heritage Officer, with Monaghan County Council, Shirley Clerkin complimented the production team on the quality of the film and John for his energetic, and charismatic performance.  “Magic Under Monaghan is irreverent and informative, educational and entertaining. It’s set here but is widely applicable to anywhere with bogs and fens.  It is crucial that we restore peatlands to ensure that they continue to store carbon, and that their carbon sequestration function can work effectively.  Peatland restoration one of the nature-based solutions for the climate crisis”.

The Monaghan County Council Heritage Office will be distributing the film to schools, and to any group who wishes to show it in their venue over the next few weeks.

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

If you want to get in touch with the heritage office, please contact heritage@monaghancoco.ie

 

Information will be provided on services and supports available to recently arrived Ukrainians to County Monaghan.
Hot refreshments will be provided along with entertainment for children, music and dance.

When: 23rd March 2023, 6 to 8pm
Where: Iontas Arts & Community Resource Centre, Castleblaney