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Monaghan County Council has been officially announced as one of four Irish local authorities selected to join the 25 new EU funded URBACT Transfer Networks. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Monaghan will\u00a0participate\u00a0in the PARKS\u00a0Transfer Network, led by Perugia, Italy \u2014 a project focused on enhancing ecosystem resilience, climate\u00a0adaptation\u00a0and biodiversity through comprehensive management of urban green assets.\u00a0The network brings together partners from:<\/span> To mark the beginning of this new European partnership, Monaghan County Council hosted an intensive two day study visit (26\u201327 February) with the URBACT Lead Expert, Martin Neubert, and Lead Partner representative, Laura Taramelli from Perugia. The visit which focused on the Carrickmacross\/Castleblayney Municipal District, provided an introduction to Monaghan\u2019s green infrastructure ambitions, local challenges and community-led solutions, forming the foundation for the county\u2019s participation in the 30month network.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Speaking at Carrickmacross Civic Offices, Cathaoirleach Cllr PJ O\u2019Hanlon welcomed the visitors and celebrated Monaghan\u2019s achievement:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSecuring a place among the 25 new URBACT Transfer Networks is a major achievement for Monaghan. It places our county at the heart of a European collaboration focused on climate resilience and green spaces. We were honoured to welcome the Lead Expert and Lead Partner to see first-hand the commitment of our communities to protecting and enhancing our natural environment.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The visit featured contributions from Council colleagues and community representatives, including Damien Thornton, MD Coordinator, on cocreating sustainable town centre parks and public spaces; M\u00e1ire Cullinan, Executive Planner, on the Lough Muckno & Environs Masterplan; Dr Patricia McCreesh, Biodiversity Officer, on Monaghan\u2019s biodiversity context; and Gerry Hand of Carrickmacross Tidy Towns, who spoke about community stewardship and the Eco Meadow.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Director of Services Nial O\u2019Connor emphasised the alignment with local policy priorities:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe PARKS Network complements our Climate Action Plan and our ambition to develop a countywide Green Infrastructure Plan. Perugia\u2019s Good Practice offers a strong blueprint for how we can integrate nature into our towns while strengthening community participation and climate resilience.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Site visits included Lough\u00a0Muckno, Castleblayney Town Park, the Eco Meadow, and several greenspace projects.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Closing the morning session, Chief Executive Robert Burns highlighted the value of the new partnership:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nBulgaria, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine \u2014 offering Monaghan a rich pool of peer learning and shared experience.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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