Co. Monaghan is challenged to be active on Sunday, 28^th June as part of the Sport Ireland National BeActive Day.

Monaghan Sports Partnership is one of 29 Local Sports Partnerships in the country who are coming together to celebrate a day of physical activity and sport and want you to join in and be active.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Monaghan Sports Partnership has been working hard to ensure the people of county Monaghan remain physically active.

As part of a national network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) Monaghan Sports Partnership has adapted by using online resources, printed booklets and other innovative means, to ensure that everyone in their community has the opportunity to share in the enjoyment as well as the mental and physical health benefits of sport and physical activity.

International guidelines recommend children are active for at least 60 minutes a day and adults for 30 minutes a day, National BeActive Day is a fun and inclusive way of getting in your daily physical activity.

Launching the event, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy encouraged as many people as possible to take part, “The last few months have been very difficult for people but it has been highly encouraging to see people look after their own health and well-being through taking part in regular sport and physical activity. Research has shown that unprecedented numbers of people are out walking and cycling, which is great to see. As we begin to come out of the restrictions, I think it is more important than ever that we continue to exercise and be physically active every day. I am really looking forward to National BeActive Day and challenge you all to get active, pick a new activity or sport and enjoy it”.

Michelle Murphy, Coordinator of Monaghan Sports Partnership commented, “National BeActive Day is an opportunity to get everyone in the household up and active. You can do it just for fun or add a competitive element by keeping scores or splitting in to teams. No matter what you do, we encourage you to be active and have some fun, and let’s make County Monaghan the most active county on the day!.”

The Local Sports Partnerships have developed a printable list of games and activities to give you some inspiration, all of which are fully adaptive for people of all abilities and skill levels. With suggestions to make the games harder or easier, there is a game for everyone. Simply print out the games or display them on your phone and be active.  Or why not get creative and create your own games, activities or challenges?

 

Monaghan Sports Partnership are running a competition for the most creative National BeActive Day activity in the county so make sure to share a photo or video on social media and tag in @SportIreland and @Monaghansports and the hashtag #NationalBeActiveDay to be in with a chance of winning a prize!

If you are not on social media, you can email a photo or video of your activity to info@monaghansports.ir to be in with a chance of winning a prize!

 

For more information on the home sports day visit www.sportireland.ie/participation/news/national-be-active-day  or contact Monaghan Sports Partnership on 042-9755126 or info@monaghansports.ie

 

Monaghan County Council

Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020

Expressions of Interest are being sought for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 provides funding for rural towns and villages for delivery of projects in 2020 and 2021 with a particular focus on projects that aid the economic and social recovery of towns and villages in response to COVID-19.

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.

An outline of the 2020 Town & Village scheme

Download PDF >>TV Scheme 2020 Outline

The Expression of Interest application form

https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/forms/tvr2020

All interested Town/Village Groups/Community Groups/Development Associations should complete the Expression of Interest form which must be submitted on-line no later than 5pm on Friday 10^th July 2020.

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

 

 

Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 Accelerated Measure in response to COVID 19

 

The Department of Rural and Community Development has announced the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020. In addition to the standard scheme, there is a focus on immediate interventions that can be delivered in the short-term (before the end of 2020) to assist towns and villages to adapt to COVID-19, aiding the economic and social recovery of towns and villages.

 

The stand-alone Measure will provide accelerated support for towns and villages to adapt to public health requirements such as social distancing in the short term, and to encourage increased footfall in our towns and villages as we re-open society and business.

 

The Accelerated Measure will provide funding of up to €25,000 per project, increasing to €40,000 for higher impact projects. There are two funding rounds of the Accelerated Measure with closing dates for applications to the Department of 03 July 2020 and 14 August 2020.  A maximum of 5 applications per local authority can be submitted per funding round. Only 1 application for the higher funding limit of €40,000 can be submitted per funding round. Those towns/villages that were successful under Round 1 shall not be eligible to apply under Round 2. The rate of grant aid will be a maximum of 90% of project costs.

 

Applications should be developed in consultation with community and business interests including Town Teams, Chamber of Commerce (or similar) and community organisations as appropriate.

 

The Accelerated Measure provides Local Authorities with flexibility to design and deliver solutions to the challenges introduced by COVID-19 based on the situation pertaining in their own area. These solutions can be tailored to individual towns/villages or an individual project might provide the same solution for a number of towns/villages. Innovative and novel solutions are encouraged.

 

The following list is provided as a non-exhaustive indicative list of the types of interventions which might be considered by Local Authorities. The examples are provided as a guide only.

 

Measures to deal with Social Distancing requirements:

• The provision of equipment or carrying out of works to temporarily repurpose or pedestrianise public areas to facilitate on street/outdoors trading and/or to make these areas temporarily weather-proof by the use of marquees, awnings etc.
• Adaptation of heritage/community buildings to accommodate multiple local businesses to sell their products and services, in line with public health guidance pertaining to COVID-19.
• Development of a central online platform for a town or village where consumers can continue to “shop local” by virtually visiting the shops in a town or village through a single website.
• Provision of local centralised drive-through facilities for items purchased online or over the phone.

 

Measures to encourage increased footfall:

• Collectivised branding/marketing of towns or villages through both traditional and social media channels.
• Capital expenditure associated with festivals or smaller-scale events later in the year when public health guidelines allow.
• Painting and improving shop front facades and other minor public realm improvements (seating, planting/landscaping, deep clean of public areas etc.).
• Investment in adapting public areas, footpaths etc. to make them accessible to all ages and all abilities.

 

Types of activities that will not be supported

• Projects with a completion timeframe of more than 6 months should generally be submitted through the standard Town and Village Renewal Scheme (application deadline date 28th Aug 2020).
• Ongoing Operational Costs – projects should, in the main, be of a capital nature and ongoing operational costs will need to be met from own funds.
• Support for a single private enterprise – projects that collectively assist private enterprises within a town or village are eligible.

 

Link to full details of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme COVID-19 Accelerated Measure https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ed9cd-minister-ring-announces-15-million-for-economic-recovery-in-rural-towns-and-villages/

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

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in areas that experience disadvantage. The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of identified CLÁR areas with the aim of attracting people to live and work there. The funding works in conjunction with local/Agency and other Departmental funding programmes and on the basis of locally identified priorities. This year, there are some changes to the Measures to support rural communities with a particular emphasis on responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19.

The measures being funded under 2020 CLÁR Funding Scheme are:

Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety measures: Closing date for receipt of applications by Monaghan County Council was 5.00 p.m. on Monday 20th July 2020. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Measure 2: Community Recreation Areas: Closing date for receipt of applications by Monaghan County Council was 5.00 p.m. on Monday 20th July 2020. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports, comprising:
3a – Meals on Wheels and Linked Services (New for 2020)
3b – Mobility and Cancer Care Transport

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Measure 3 (a & b) Community Wellbeing Supports

• 3a – Meals on Wheels and Linked Services (New for 2020)
• 3b – Mobility & Cancer Care Transport

These measures are managed by the Department of Rural & Community Development. Applications should be submitted directly to the Department at CLAR@DRCD.gov.ie by the 28th August 2020.

Download Application Form Measure 3A (PDF)

Download Application Form Measure 3B (PDF)

Download Guidelines Measure 3A (PDF)

Download Guidelines Measure 3B (PDF)

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CLÁR Map

Download Map (PDF)

CLÁR FUNDING SCHEME 2020 Click Here

What do we need for the wellbeing of the people of County Monaghan? That is the question posed by Monaghan Public Participation Network (PPN). We want to hear from the public and groups/organisations across County Monaghan on what do they think we have that makes each of our towns and villages so great but what do they need to help them be even better for now and future generations.

 

The PPN is hosting a series of workshops in each Municipal District to start this important conversation under six themes:

1. Environment and Sustainability
2. Economy and Resources
3. Health (physical and mental)
4. Participation Democracy and Governance
5. Social and Community Development
6. Values culture and meaning

 

Workshops take place in as follows

• Tuesday 3^rd March          Westenra Arms Hotel, Monaghan Town                      Registration 6.30pm        Workshops commence 7pm
• Wednesday 4^th March    The Old Post Office, Clones                                         Registration 6.30pm        Workshops commence 7pm
• Thursday 5^th March        Iontas Centre, Castleblayney                                       Registration 6.30pm        Workshops commence 7pm

 

The public and groups/organisations will also get the opportunity to take part online. By taking part in this process we get to hear what is important to the people living in each of these Municipal Districts.

 

All of the data will be brought together to be collated into a Community Wellbeing Vision statement. This vision statement will help influence future policy such as County Development Plan, Local Economic Community Plan and it will help PPN representatives when they attend their respective County Council committees.

 

 

Calling all Choirs in Monaghan.

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2020.

A special Sing out Sister event will be held in a number of locations across the county on

Friday 6^th March from 11am -1pm

We are looking to hear from local choir groups who would be interested in leading the community in song at these events to celebrate the women of Monaghan in 2020.

Any choir that would like to get involved please contact Bernie Bradley

bbradley@monaghancoco.ie  or 047 73727

PEACE PLUS Programme Stakeholder Events

PEACE PLUS is a new EU cross-border programme that will contribute to a more prosperous and stable society in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.

The programme will achieve this by funding activities that promote peace and reconciliation, and contribute to the cross-border economic and territorial development of the region. It will build upon previous PEACE and INTERREG Programmes.

We are seeking your input to help shape the content of this programme.

A series of information events are taking place between December 2019 and February 2020, running from 6pm-8pm, with registration from 5.30pm.

To register, click on one of the below links, which will lead you directly to EventBrite.

The stakeholder engagement process will start on 10 December 2019 and end on 25 February 2020. Full documentation, including a response form, will be made available on https://seupb.eu/peaceplus on 10 December 2019.

If you would like additional information please email PEACEPLUS@seupb.eu

If you would like additional information please email PEACEPLUS@seupb.eu

Date	County	Venue	Register
Tue 10 December	Donegal	Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey	Click Here
Wed 8 January	Leitrim	Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill	Click Here
Thu 9 January	Sligo	Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo	Click Here
Mon 13 January	Derry – Londonderry	Lodge Hotel, Coleraine	Click Here
Wed 15 January	Monaghan	Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan	Click Here
Thu 16 January	Cavan	Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan	Click Here
Mon 20 January	Derry – Londonderry	Guildhall, Derry-Londonderry	Click Here
Tue 21 January	Tyrone	Corrick House Hotel, Clogher	Click Here
Thu 23 January	Fermanagh	Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen	Click Here
Mon 27 January	Down	Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle	Click Here
Thu 30 January	Antrim	Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena	Click Here
Tue 4 February	Armagh	Armagh City Hotel, Armagh	Click Here
Wed 5 February	Antrim	Belfast City Hall, Belfast	Click Here
Thu 6 February	Louth	Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk	Click Here

 

 

 

Make Way Day 2019

Monaghan County Council is proud to support County Monaghan Disability Network & Disability Federation of Ireland
#MakeWayDay 2019

Make Way!

on our streets for people with Disabilities.
You can support Make Way Day by Joining County Monaghan Disability Network on the streets

• Monaghan town 11am Outside National Learning Network Building, The Diamond

• Carrickmacross 11am & 1.30pm CTEK Building (beside Library)

• Clones 1.30pm Outside Cairde Centre

Thursday September 26th 2019

#makewayday aims to raise awareness of the obstacles people face in public areas

 

Make Way Day 2019 (MS Word)

On Monday 15th April in the Four Seasons Hotel, past and present members of 2^nd Monaghan, Monaghan Town Scout group, travelled from near and far to attend the launch of a very special book.

75 years of Scouting Memories from a Border Town is a publication that was produced as part of a project that Monaghan County Council in partnership with 2nd Monaghan, Monaghan Town Scout group undertook with funding from the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Project Background

The aim of the book was to capture memories and stories of the generations past and present who at one time were involved as a beaver, cub or scout themselves or had been a volunteer or leader with the group. In compiling the book, the group carried out a series of intergenerational events and activities in which stories, memoires and photographs were captured and collated. Very special thanks were given to all the boys and girls who assisted with carrying out interviews and took a real interest in listening to scouting stories from our past.

As invited guests arrived on Monday evening, they were treated to a wonderful array of musical talent from beavers, cups and scouts of the current group. MC for the evening was Donal Mc Elwain, current scout leader. Donal began by welcoming Leo Colton, current cub to the stage, who commenced proceedings by leading in the Scout prayer. Fiona Mc Entee, Youth Development Officer with Monaghan County Council was then invited up to outline the background to the project. Uniting Generations Together Peace IV project delivered several projects across the County. “The scouting together project was just 1 of 6 projects which brought younger and older people together to engage in activities of interest, allowing integration and breaking down barriers”, Fiona stated. Last year a call out was made for submissions, intergenerational events were hosted in the Scout den and a cross border event took place in Castle Saunderson. Over 80 scouts attended this event from both sides of the border, all sharing stories and participating in activities together on the day. Fiona acknowledged her gratitude and appreciation to current group leader, Donal Mc Elwain and cub leader John Mc Mahon “without Donal & Johns knowledge, enthusiasm commitment and assistance we wouldn’t be here today launching this wonderful book”.

75 years in the making

John Mc Mahon, current cub leader than took the audience through the history of the establishment of the group in Monaghan. “Three uniformed boys wearing the orange and green neckerchiefs of the Cavan Troop of Catholic Boy Scouts arrived in Monaghan Town on bicycles completing one of their First-Class Tests, which required a journey of 30 miles. The month was April and the year was 1944.” John continued “it so happened that Gerard Magill and Philip Mac Dermott were very interested onlookers as they had been previously discussing the possibility of reforming the scouts in Monaghan. And the rest, as they say is history! There was great excitement among the youth in Monaghan when they heard that the scouts were being formed and at the first meeting of the group in St Joseph’s Hall on the 4^th May 1944 nearly 50 boys were present.

Memories Recalled

Since the purpose of the Intergenerational project was all about younger and older past and present members meeting and sharing stories of their time in scouts, it was fitting that, invited to speak next was past member Benny Mc Aree and current member Jamie Mc Elwain. Benny recalled happy times spent competing for the inter-patrol, much coveted “Shield” over many weeks in various disciplines. The highlight of the scouting year was the annual camp and as Benny outlined “for a young boy back then you may as well have been going to far off Africa, such was the excitement of heading to camp. It was all you talked about all year!”. Jamie Mc Elwain informed us that he joined beavers when he was just 6 years old. Having worked his way through cups and now scouts he is now in his 9^th year as a member of 2^nd Monaghan, Monaghan Town Scout group. He recalled the many fantastic leaders who had been assisting the groups over the years and the many friendships he has made. He had fond memories of scout camps and skills learned and looks forward to many more happy years within the scout movement in Monaghan. He concluded with a very apt quote from Robert Baden Bowell, founder and first Chief Scout of the world-wide Boy Scout Movement, “We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it”.

Official Launch

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr David Maxwell was invited on stage to officially launch the book. Before carrying out the official proceedings he was happy to let all present know what he too had been a scout in his younger days! Recounting some his memoires, he was with the scout group till he was 17 years old. Annual camps, weekly challenges and firm friendships were made. “I made many friends in scouts, that I would still call friends today, although some of them could be in all parts of the world, the friendships are still strong and due to our many years and happy memories in Scouting in Monaghan”. A special word of thanks was given to past scout, Ellen Mc Ateer who designed the beautiful front cover of the book.

The evening concluded with refreshments and circulation of copies of the book to all present. Over a cup of tea, there was lots of laughter as those present scanned the many old photography’s included in the book. Monaghan County Council wish to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the work of all the volunteers down through the years who dedicated their time and commitment to the 2^nd Monaghan, Monaghan Town Scouts.