Funding Announced for Shopfronts

A new scheme aimed at giving the towns and villages of rural Ireland a facelift through refreshing the front of premises has this week been announced by Minister Heather Humphreys’ Department of Rural & Community Development.  Streetscape Enhancement Initiative will provide funding to property owners to improve the facades of their buildings, and is part of the government’s ‘Our Rural Future’ initiative.

In Co. Monaghan, three towns have been selected to benefit from the scheme:  Monaghan town,

Ballybay and Carrickmacross.  An allocation of €220,000 has been made to the county, and Monaghan County Council has been tasked with preparing schemes for each town which will make best use of the available funding.

Monaghan County Council is now inviting premises owners to make contact if they are interested in participating in the Scheme. At this initial stage, detailed documentation is not required, just an idea of what you want to do, and how much it is going to cost.

The types of projects that could be supported include:

• strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours
• commissioning of murals in towns and villages
• upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts
• provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes
• illumination and lighting of architectural features
• installation of canopies and street furniture
• decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs / wires

The grant rates under the scheme are generous, with 70% funding available for individual premises, rising to 80% if the premises is included in a group of 3 or more being upgraded together.  Where the applicant is seeking just the cost of the paint, 100% of the cost is awarded.

The Scheme is also open to community groups, chambers of commerce etc.  who may wish to undertake work on derelict properties, or commission a mural.   Property occupants, eg those renting a retail unit, may also apply, providing they have the property owner’s permission.

All types of property are eligible for consideration, including commercial, residential and unoccupied buildings.  A maximum grant of €8,000 per building applies.

If you are interested in participating in this Scheme, you can find more information on Monaghan County Council’s website, www.monaghan.ie, where you will also find an online form for submitting your expression of interest.

Expressions of interest must be submitted on or before 7^th September,  with the works to be completed by the end of October.

Guidelines For Expressions Of Interest (PDF)

Make a Submission

Monaghan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) announces the launch of the Community Enhancement Programme for 2021. This funding is targeted towards enhancing community facilities for individuals and communities that are impacted by disadvantage as identified in the LECP.

Funding for this scheme is provided by the Department of Rural & Community Development.

Organisations eligible for funding include:

• Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.

Those not eligible for funding include:

• Commercial organisations, individuals and for-profit organisations.

This iteration of the CEP will provide:

• grants towards projects or equipment enhancing facilities, and,
• one-off grants towards costs associated with reopening of a facility or the sustainability of a facility

The following is a non-exhaustive list of projects that could receive funding under the programme:

• Development/renovation of community centres
• Once off maintenance of premises
• Community amenities
• Development of youth clubs or facilities
• Development of sports/recreation facilities
• Improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces
• CCTV equipment
• Public realm improvements
• Streetscaping
• Development of play/recreation spaces
• Energy efficiency type projects
• Purchase of equipment
• Adaptations or equipment needed as a result of COVID-19

Note: Requests for assistance usually exceed the funds available. Applicants should be aware that the Programme is likely to be oversubscribed.  Therefore, all applications fulfilling the conditions may not be successful or may be for a lesser amount.

Applications will be evaluated by the LCDC to ensure eligibility and consistence with the Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 (LECP) which can be viewed at the following link https://monaghan.ie/communitydevelopment/local-economic-and-community-plan-lecp/

Applications can be made online only at https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/Forms/CEP2021

This is an online application process only and hard copy application forms will not be accepted.

 

Closing date for receipt of completed online applications is 5.00 p.m. Friday 16^th July 2021. Applications received after this date will be deemed ineligible.

 

For any queries please email: communitygrants@monaghancoco.ie

 

Monaghan County Council

Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021

Expressions of Interest are being sought for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021 provides funding for rural towns and villages for delivery of projects in 2021 and 2022 with a focus on projects that make our towns and villages more attractive and sustainable and respond to the new challenges associated with COVID-19 and support the economic and social recovery of our towns and villages. The 2021 Scheme will place particular emphasis on projects supporting remote working and enhancing town centre living as outlined in “Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.” The Town and Village Scheme will support these objectives and will encourage more people to return confidently to town and village centres to work, shop and socialise.

Successful proposals will demonstrate close collaboration between communities and business interests in the design and delivery of proposed projects and must have the support of the Local Authority.

Applications are being accepted only though the online application process here: https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/Forms/TVR2021

If you are having technical difficulties submitting your application please contact communitygrants@monaghancoco.ie for assistance, otherwise your application is at risk of not being accepted if received outside the timeframe.

It is essential that project promoters consult with the relevant Municipal District Offices of Monaghan County Council while preparing an Expression of Interest and prior to its submission.

• Ballybay/Clones Municipal District Office – 047 51018
• Carrickmacross/Castleblayney Municipal District Office – 042 9661236
• Monaghan Municipal District Office – 047 73777

 

All interested Town/Village Groups/Community Groups/Development Associations should complete the Expression of Interest form which must be submitted on-line to Monaghan County Council no later than 5pm on Friday 11^th June 2021.

Department of Rural and Community Development Community Enhancement Programme 2021

 

 

2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas.

 

Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development has announced €14 million in funding for outdoor recreation projects and investment that will support the adventure tourism sector in rural communities.

 

The funding, which is being provided under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme, will support the key objectives of Our Rural Future.

 

The focus of the funding is to develop rural Ireland’s unique natural amenities and support outdoor pursuits and adventure activities such as hiking/mountaineering, cycling, horse-riding, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, surfing, sailing, rock-climbing, fishing, paragliding and hang-gliding.

The fund will provide for significant investment in the development of outdoor trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways, tidal pools, floating boardwalks and bridleways.

 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider opportunities to develop recreational amenities and increase public access and enjoyment of rural Ireland’s mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and bogs.

 

The funding announcement is aimed at supporting outdoor recreation tourism, a growing tourism sector internationally, which has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for rural towns and villages as well as improving the health and well-being of rural communities.

 

The 2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will provide funding under 4 separate measures:

• Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing – grant up to €20,000
• Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development – grant up to €200,000
• Measure 3: Strategic Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development projects – grant up to €500,000
• Project Development Measures – is new for 2021 and will provide funding for the detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or 3 of ORIS – grant up to €50,000

 

Expressions of Interest are now being sought for projects under all measures. Expressions of Interest should include as much information as possible, including project details, location, estimated cost if known etc.

 

Please contact your local Municipal District Co-ordinator to discuss potential projects for submission to this scheme as early as possible:

• Ballybay/Clones Municipal District Office – 047 51018
• Carrickmacross/Castleblayney Municipal District Office – 042 9661236
• Monaghan Municipal District Office – 047 73777.

 

Closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest to Monaghan County Council

is 5.00 p.m. on Friday 28^th May 2021,

all Expression of Interest should be submitted to akierans@monaghancoco.ie

 

Clár Funding Scheme 2021

 

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The funding works in conjunction with local/Agency and other Departmental funding programmes and on the basis of locally identified priorities.

 

CLÁR Programme for 2021

There is a 10% increase in funding, bringing the allocation for 2021 to €5.5 million. The 2021 CLÁR programme will be delivered through four separate Measures as follows:

 

Measure 1:                                                         Support for Schools/Community Safety Measure

Measure 2:                                                         Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities

Measure 3:                                                         Community Wellbeing Measure

• Community Gardens & Allotments
• Mobility and Cancer Care Transport

 

CLÁR Innovation Measure:                           Funding for innovative or pilot projects that address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas.

 

Measure 1       Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures

Up to 90% funding available

 

Types of Intervention eligible:

Amber Safety Lights, Child Safety Lights, Speed Safety Lights, Pedestrian Crossings, Access footpaths, Bus Shelters, Car Parking Facilities, Public Lighting, COVID-19 Safety related projects

 

Grant Range €5,000 up to €50,000

 

Measure 2       Community Recreation Areas

Up to 90% funding available

 

Types of Intervention eligible (this is not an exhaustive list):

Outdoor Cinema Screen, Bandstand/Amphitheatre, Outdoor Drinking Water Fountain, Covered Seating & Picnic Benches, Associated Landscaping & Path Widening, Playgrounds/MUGAs (new or upgrades), Skateboard Parks, Exercise Class Space, Public Toilets & Bins, Car & Bike Parking

 

Grant Range € 5,000 to € 50,000

 

Measure 3(a):    Community Gardens and Allotments

Up to 90% funding available

 

Types of Intervention eligible (this is not an exhaustive list):

Groundworks, Footpaths, Raised Beds, Native pollinator plants, Sensory planting and equipment, Polytunnels, Sheds, Rainwater harvesting tanks, Fencing, Gates, Tools as appropriate, Benches, Picnic tables, Shelters and Outdoor pizza ovens/BBQ areas

 

Grant Range € 5,000 to € 50,000

Applications are being accepted only though the online application process here:

Measure 1:

https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/forms/Measure1

Measure 2:

https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/forms/Measure2

Measure 3a:

https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/forms/Measure3a

 

Any group applying will have plenty to occupy their time between now and then in preparing their application. It will be an online application process only. Closing date for applications to Monaghan County Council is Monday 26^th April at 5pm.

Guidelines

CLÁR 2021 Guidelines Measures 1, 2 & 3(a) (MS Word)

 

CLÁR map showing the eligible areas for County Monaghan

CLAR Map (PDF)

 

Completed Applications for Measures 1, 2 and 3(a) must be submitted to Monaghan County Council on-line only.

There will be a save option which will allow forms to be partially completed and returned to later.

 

Closing date for receipt of COMPLETED applications to Monaghan County Council is 5.00pm on Monday 26^th April 2021.

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

 

 

Measure 3(b) – Mobility & Cancer Care Transport

To assist groups providing mobility and cancer care transport services to people living in CLÁR areas.

Measure 3(b) Application Form (MS Word)

Measure 3(b) Scheme Outline (MS Word)

 

CLÁR Innovation Measure (New measure for 2021)

Funding under this new measure will be targeted at piloting new ideas which address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas, including rural isolation, population change, social disadvantage and marginalisation.

CLÁR Innovation Measure Expression Of Interest (MS Word)

CLÁR Innovation Measure Outline (MS Word)

 

Measure 3(b) and the CLÁR innovation Measure are being managed directly by the Department of Rural & Community Development, (DRCD), Rural Schemes, Government Offices, Ballina, Co Mayo F26 E8N6 – Phone – (076)1064900 and applications under those Measures should be made directly to DRCD  by the due dates, i.e., 7^th May & 21^st May respectively.

 

 

Monaghan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) announces the launch of the COVID 19 Emergency Fund – Round 2.

Organisations eligible for funding include:

• Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.
• Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.

 

Those not eligible for funding include:

• Commercial organisations, individuals and for-profit organisations.

It will provide grants to community groups to assist them:

• to adapt their services and operations to fit the new COVID-19 reality. Examples of measures supported could be adapting premises to allow for social distancing; offering on-line activities; providing social supports and friendly calls by phone etc.
• to become more involved in the Government’s ‘Keep Well’ campaign. The grants are aimed at assisting participation in the campaign, in particular with the three themes: staying connected, switching off and being creative, and minding your mood.

The grants may also be provided to support groups (including those involved in the community call) with day to day running costs if needed.

Note: Requests for assistance usually exceed the funds available. Applicants should be aware that the Programme is likely to be oversubscribed.  Therefore, all applications fulfilling the conditions may not be successful or may be for a lesser amount.

Applications will be evaluated by the LCDC to ensure eligibility and consistence with the Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 (LECP) which can be viewed at the following link https://monaghan.ie/communitydevelopment/local-economic-and-community-plan-lecp/

It is intended that 30% of the funding will be ring-fenced for grants of €1,000 or less.

Applications can be made online only at https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/Forms/C19EFR2

This is an online application process only and hard copy application forms will not be accepted. Closing date for receipt of completed online applications is 12 noon Monday 1^st February, 2021. Applications received after this date will be deemed ineligible.

For any queries please email:  covid19fund@monaghancoco.ie  Or contact:  047 73720 / 047 73717 / 047 73707

 

Monaghan Age Friendly Programme is asking people to check in on their older neighbours during these challenging times.

Monaghan has almost 8,000 older people living across the county.
There are many of our older people living alone.

You can check in to say:

• Hello
• Leave your number so they can call you if needed.
• I can go to the shops for you
• I baked these goodies for you
• I picked these flowers for you
• I can take out/in your bin
• I can walk your dog
• I can help you with your garden

Please ensure to adhere to the current level of COVID-19 Restrictions.

Make Way Day 2020 Friday 25^th September 2020

Make way on the streets for people with a disability

Monaghan County Council will be supporting national Make Way Day 2020 on Friday 25^th September 2020. Make Way Day is a campaign that brings the disability and wider community together to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share.

To mark Make Way Day 2020 local authorities across the country will host virtual meetings on Friday, 25th September at 11.00am. Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr. Colm Carthy will host the Monaghan virtual meeting. Cllr. Carthy will be joined by members of County Monaghan Disability Network and staff from Monaghan County Council who are involved in design and upgrading of our streetscapes and Monaghan Garda station will also join the meeting and document the issues highlighted by people with a view to improving accessibility for everyone.

You can get involved Make Way Day 2020 Friday, September 25th.

• Take pictures of the obstacles you encounter and post your pictures to social media.
• Include #MakeWayDay, tag Make Way Day,  Disability Federation of Ireland and Monaghan County Council in your posts on Facebook.
• Include #MakeWayDay, tag @MakeWayDay,  @disabilityfed and @MonaghanCoCo in your posts on Twitter
• Contact Bernie Bradley bbradley@monaghancoco.ie 087 6443332 if there are any obstacles you would like to highlight to Monaghan County Council.

 

 

 

Healthy Ireland Small Grants 2020

Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013 – 2025 is the national framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of Ireland over the coming generation.   Now in its 3rd year, the ‘Healthy Ireland Fund’ aims to support innovative, cross sectoral, evidence based projects, programmes and initiatives that support key national policies in areas such as mental health, physical activity, nutrition and sexual health, tobacco and alcohol and development of spaces and places for health and wellbeing.

 

Applications are now invited for funding under this scheme:

• The Scheme offers small grants of up to a minimum of €2000 and a maximum of €5000
• Funding is for programme activity only under the Healthy Ireland theme of Mental Health
• Only one application is accepted from each Community/Voluntary Group

 

 

Who is eligible to apply?

• Locally based community and voluntary groups
• Not for Profit Organisations
• Eligible facilities will include community groups, youth clubs, sports/recreation clubs, family resource centres.

 

Applications can be made online only

Guidelines for the application can be found here Healthy Monaghan Application Guidelines (PDF)>>

This is an online application process only and hard copy application forms will not be accepted. Closing date for receipt of completed online application is 4pm on Monday 12th October 2020. Applications received after this date will be deemed ineligible. For any queries please contact: Phone: (087) 6369109 / (047) 73717    Email:  fmcentee@monaghancoco.ie