Monaghan Town Takes 2nd Place on IBAL Anti-Litter League Survey for 2024.

 

Monaghan Town Takes 2nd Place on IBAL Anti-Litter League Survey for 2024.

Monaghan Town has been placed 2nd in a list of 40 town and cities surveyed in the annual national litter survey, conducted by An Taisce on behalf of Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).   The town achieved a result of ‘Cleaner than European Norms’.  The staff of Monaghan Municipal District and staff from The Environment Section of Monaghan Co. Council are proud to have worked collaboratively with Monaghan Tidy Towns Group, local businesses, volunteers and residents to achieve Monaghan’s best ever placing over many years of inclusion in the IBAL Anti-Litter League.  Nine out of the ten sites surveyed got the top litter grade – examples of these included Monaghan Retail Park, The Bring Centre at The Town Centre Car Park, Monaghan Model School and Dublin Street – well done to all concerned.    The survey noted that the residential area of Woodlands was exceptionally freshly presented and maintained.

Full survey results can be found at :Anti-Litter League Rd1 2024 – An Taisce reports | IBAL

Town Plan and Reuse of a Heritage Building in Monaghan Town

Monaghan County Council secures almost €200,000 to develop a Town Plan and Reuse of a Heritage Building in Monaghan Town

Monaghan County Council are pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant of €199,341 from the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027. This significant funding will support the development of a Town Plan for Monaghan Town, carry out citizen engagement, and identify and develop proposals for a number of heritage buildings within the town.

 

The aim of this initiative is to breathe new life into Monaghan town and to enable it to function as the sustainable and vibrant heart of the communities it serves. The project will be an opportunity for citizens to engage with the local authority to develop a place plan, select suitable projects for development, and identify sustainable and viable end uses for underutilised heritage buildings in the town centre.  The development of the Plan will provide the means of securing further capital funding for the renovation and reuse of a heritage building in public ownership.

 

Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council expressed his gratitude for the funding stating “We are grateful to Northern and Western Regional Assembly, as Managing Authority for the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027 for their support in providing this grant. It will allow us to work with the community in developing Monaghan Town, making it an attractive, engaging and inviting space that serves the needs of residents and visitors alike.  Following on from the development of the Peace Campus it will provide a springboard to further enhancements to the town”.

 

Councillor David Maxwell, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council  said  “ Monaghan County Council is committed to the improvement of all our towns in the County. Through the public, community groups and the council working together we can ensure this occurs. The development of a Town Plan for Monaghan will be the opportunity to agree a common way forward with specific projects to implement.

 

The development of plans will also allow us to securing funding for capital projects into the future similar to the Peace Campus, which is already a great success and thereby add to the attractiveness of the Town Centre

 

Landfill Remediation Project at Killycard

Notice of Application to An Bord Pleanála for Approval for

Killycard Closed Landfill Remediation Project at Killycard, Castleblayney, County Monaghan

Pursuant to Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the requirements of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Monaghan County Council proposes to seek the approval of An Bord Pleanála for the completion of Closed Landfill Remediation Works at a Closed Landfill site in Killycard, Castleblayney, County Monaghan.

The application site, as defined by the red line boundary in the accompanying drawings, is 2.25ha in size. The proposed capping area within the application site is 1.34ha in size.

The proposed development will consist of the following:

  • The development of a site access.
  • The development of a temporary site compound and office area for the duration of the works.
  • Invasive species management.
  • Site clearance, including the removal of an existing gate, existing timber post and wire fencing and clearance of existing vegetation.
  • Grading/profiling of the existing site area.
  • Installation of an engineered landfill capping system covering an area of 1.34 ha.
  • Installation of surface and subsurface surface water drainage infrastructures.
  • Installation of passive landfill gas management infrastructure.
  • The installation of stock proof fencing, and a new access gate on-site.
  • Landscaping of the final formation of the capping area using a high value multi species grass cover.

The proposed development will ensure compliance with conditions of a Closed Landfill Certificate of Authorization pertaining to the site granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (CoA Ref: H0364-01).

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report for the proposed development has been carried out and has determined that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and has determined that an EIAR is not required.

The Board may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including Natura Impact Statement, will be available for inspection free of charge, or for purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the following offices of Monaghan County Council:

  • Environmental Services Department, Monaghan County Council, Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81RY22.
  • Carrickmacross Castleblayney Municipal District Office, Civic Offices, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81RY22.

between the hours of 9.15am to 1.00pm and 1.30pm to 5.00pm each day during which said Offices are open for the transaction of business, for a period from Wednesday the 24th of April 2024 to Wednesday the 12th of June 2024 (inclusive of both dates) and at the following offices of An Bord Pleanála:

  • An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 V902

between the hours of 9:15am to 5:30pm each day during which said Offices are open from the transaction of business, for a period from Wednesday the 24th of April 2024 to Wednesday the 12th of June 2024 (inclusive of both dates).

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including the Natura Impact Statement, are also available for viewing on Monaghan County Council’s online consultation portal (www.monaghan.ie) from Wednesday the 24th of April 2024 to Wednesday the 12th of June 2024 (inclusive of both dates).

Submissions or observations regarding the proposed development may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála (with an address of (64 Marlborough St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 V902) during the period from Wednesday the 24th of April 2024 to Wednesday the 12th of June 2024 (inclusive of both dates) in relation to:

  1. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development;
  2. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the proposed development; and
  3. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out.

Submissions or observations are to be received no later than 5.30pm on Wednesday the 12th of June 2024.

A person may question the validity of any such decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts as provided for in Section 50 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2022. Further information can be obtained from An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 in respect of the judicial review procedure.

Further information in respect of the Judicial Review process can also be found on www.citizensinformation.ie Contact Lo Call 1890 777 121 or + 353 21 452 1600 for details of the locations and operating hours of your local Citizens Information Centre.

Signed: Patricia Monahan,

Director of Services,

Directorate of Climate Action, Environmental and Water Services.

Date: 11th April 2024

Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant available for small & medium sized businesses!

As part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses.  This initiative is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses and is based on the value of your Commercial Rates bill from 2023.

For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023 and for qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.

Eligible businesses will receive a once-off grant payment. The amount of the grant payable to eligible businesses is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill the business received in 2023. However, it is not a Commercial Rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Commercial Rates bill as normal.

What is the purpose of the grant?

The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses. The grant is intended to aid businesses but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business.

How much is the grant?

The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023.

  • For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023,
  • For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000,
  • Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.

 

What businesses are eligible to receive the grant?

The following are the main qualifying criteria:

  • Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from a property that is commercially rateable,
  • Your business must have been trading on 1st February 2024 and you must intend to continue trading for at least three months from the date you verify your information,
  • You must provide confirmation of your bank details,
  • Your business must be rates compliant. Businesses in performing payment plans may be deemed to be compliant,
  • Your business must be tax compliant and must possess a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN).

 

Please note that Monaghan County Council reserves the right to claw back any grant payment which is later found to be incorrect. This includes any circumstances such as error by the recipient business or the local authority making the payment, or where a business makes a false declaration of eligibility.

How soon can businesses avail of the grant?

An online system has been developed to manage submissions.  Eligible businesses have been issued an invitation letter with a PIN for registration.

What is the closing date?

The closing date for businesses to confirm eligibility and to upload verification details will be    1st May 2024.

Where can I find out further information?

If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account including outstanding balances, contact Monaghan County Council at icob@monaghancoco.ie

Our team are happy to discuss any balances outstanding on your rates and what steps can be taken to ensure compliance with the scheme.

Home Energy Events for Inniskeen and Emyvale

Retrofit Ready is the new energy saving programme for home owners and will showcase in Inniskeen and Emyvale in the coming weeks. The events will give communities an opportunity to seek information on how to make their homes more energy friendly.

This is achieved through house retrofitting, from simple insulation to a deep retrofit known as a “One Stop Shop”.

Retrofitting increases you BER ratings, makes your home more comfortable, saves on energy bills and increases the value of your home. Grants are available for all retrofit works carried out by homeowners. These grants are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, (SEAI).

The concept of community retrofitting helps communities and homeowners to work together with an ultimate saving for the end user. 

On Wednesday 11th October the Retrofit Ready information team will visit Inniskeen Community Center at 8.00pm and on Saturday 14th October the team will be in Emyvale Leisure Center between 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

These events will give general, and one to one, information to home owners on all aspects of retrofitting and the grants associated with these works.

Experts will be on hand to answer questions how to make energy improvements to your home. The events and all consultations are free. Both events are supported by Monaghan Integrated Development, (MID).

Come along and find out how Retrofit Ready can help you!

         

For more information contact: Owen McConnon, Community Retrofit Champion on 087 131 5964 or omcconnon@ccld.ie

Important Notice to all Landowners and Occupiers of Land – Hedge cutting Notice

The Roads Act 1993 (Section 70) places a statutory obligation on all landowners/occupiers of land or structures to ensure that roadside structures, trees, shrubs or other vegetation do not present a danger to those using and working on public roads.

Hedge cutting should only take place between the 1st September and 28th February. Landowners should ensure that all debris is removed from the road.

Failure to comply with their obligations could result in Landowners / Occupiers of Land along a public road being prosecuted.

 

Kevin West

A/Senior Engineer

Roads & Transportation

31st August 2023

ATTENTION – Monaghan County Council’s Environment section have received notification of a Poor Water Quality Result at the Lough Muckno Bathing Area.

Bathers are advised not to swim at this location due to an increase in levels of bacteria found in a sample taken at the bathing water area at Lough Muckno on the 10th of August 2023.

Samples taken at the Lough Muckno Black Island Point and Lough Muckno Water Sports Area/Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre on the same date did not show exceedances for this parameter, further analysis and investigations are ongoing.

To reduce the risk of illness , users should take the following precautions:

  • Avoid swallowing or splashing water
  • Wash your hands before handling food
  • Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound
  • Avoid swimming if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system

Higher levels of bacteria are usually short-lived.

Monaghan County Council have arranged for further samples to be taken.

For further information please contact Environmental Services 042-9661240

ATTENTION – Monaghan County Council’s Environment section have received notification of a Poor Water Quality Result at Creevy Lake.

Bathers are advised not to swim at this location due to an increase in levels of bacteria found in a sample taken on the 10th of August 2023.

To reduce the risk of illness , users should take the following precautions:

  • Avoid swallowing or splashing water
  • Wash your hands before handling food
  • Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound
  • Avoid swimming if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system

Higher levels of bacteria are usually short-lived.

Monaghan County Council have arranged for further samples to be taken.

For further information please contact Environmental Services 042-9661240

 

Peace Plus Public Consultation – Monaghan PPN members to attend.

Monaghan Public Participation Network are asking our PPN Members to attend a Peace Plus Public Consultation on 9th March 2023 at 6.30pm via Zoom.

Monaghan County Council has been allocated €4.5 million under Investment Area 1.1 ‘Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities’ of the new PEACEPLUS programme. It is important that representation is achieved from all community backgrounds and this will ensure that the Action plan has a focus on the needs and priorities of our communities and aim to overcome local challenges and barriers.

The consultation event has been scheduled for Thursday 9th March at 6.30pm and will be an online event hosted by Lorraine McCourt Consultancy and Monaghan PPN. The link to attend is below and you must Register in advance for this meeting by clicking on the link: https://bit.ly/3Sk22uw

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