SERVICES
Background
Castleblayney is the third largest town in County Monaghan with a population of 3926 persons in April 2022 (CSO) . It is situated along the main national primary route from Dublin to Derry (N2) and is linked to Dundalk via the national secondary route (N53). The town benefits from its strategic location, with Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Dundalk and Armagh all of which are located less than 30kms from Castleblayney. With the improvements in transport links, the town has significant potential for expansion and growth and has been identified as having potential to develop as a commuter town for the east coast areas north of Dublin.
The town has continued to function as a market/service centre and provides important local residential, retailing, social and leisure functions for both the urban area and its rural hinterland, which extends across the border into County Armagh
In terms of its existing settlement form and built environment, the historical development of the town is closely associated with the plantation of Ulster and the succession of the Blayney family to land entitlement in the area from 1607. In particular, the emergence of Castleblayney is inextricably linked to the establishment of Blayney Castle (close to the site of the existing Hope Castle) and the management of the surrounding estate. From the period of the late 1700s, the Blayney’s were responsible for cultivating local industry and establishing key buildings in the settlement including the Market House/Courthouse, the Church of Ireland Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
There is a remains the need for the Town to maintain and supporting the towns growth by way of consolidating the town centre, utilising sensitively the unique facility that is Lough Muckno, and expanding services to meet the needs of its locality.
As part of this objective the Council has secured funding for the redevelopment of the Market House, engaged Grainne Shaffrey Associates to undertake a Regeneration Plan for Castleblayney Backlands, and have issued for tender for the development of a 10 year Masterplan and Development Framework for Lough Muckno and environs.
Progress
April 2022 – G Shaffrey CCMD Presentation 22 April 2024 (PDF)
June 2024 – Monaghan County Council provided with funding from the TCF Town Team Support Fund to initiate Town Centre Health Checks for Clones, Ballybay and Castleblayney and supports for the Town Team.
July 2024 – Queens University, Department of Planning, Belfast appointed to undertake Town Centre Health Checks for Castleblayney to be undertaken in Q3 2024.