Monaghan Matters

Monaghan Newsletter Spring 2021 CONTENTS

P03: Corporate Assets and Energy Corporate Assets and P05: Corporate Services Energy

P05: Museum

P07: Broadband

P08: Heritage

P09: Housing

P10: Tourism Housing

P11: Roads

P13: Community and Enterprise

P16: Sports Partnership

P19: Libraries

P21: Creative Monaghan Community and P22: Decade of Centenaries Enterprise

P23: Environmental Services

P24: Climate Action

P26: Fire Control and Civil Protection

P29: Water Services

P29: Municipal Districts Fire Control and Civil P31: Human Resource Management Protection CORPORATE ASSETS AND ENERGY

Monaghan Peace Campus Progress

Works completed to date include:

Erection of site boundary protection and security systems. Site clearance and mobilisation to site. Establishment of site compound, office and welfare accommodations. Installation of foundation bearing piles and associated mini pilling. Erection of tower crane and associated foundations.

Works currently ongoing include:

Casting of foundation pile caps, ground beams and associated stair core foundation slabs. Fixing of reinforcement to pile caps, level 0 structural columns, level 0 podium ramp walls and level 0 stair core walls. Construction of ESB sub-station. Construction of level 0 lift core structure. Construction of 2 nr. attenuation tank bases. Storm drainage pipework and service ducting.

Further information: https://monaghan.ie/monaghan-peace-campus/

September 2020 September 2020 July 2020 August 2020

October 2020 October 2020 November 2020 November 2020

December 2020 December 2020

Spring 2021: Page 3 €13.11 Million approved for Dublin Street Regeneration Project

Monaghan County Council was delighted to receive word that the Regeneration Plan for Dublin Street and its backlands has been granted €13.1million under the Government's Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

The Regeneration Project envisages a major rejuvenation of the buildings and backlands on the southern side of Dublin Street and the regeneration of a large brownfield site in the town centre to the north of what has traditionally been one of the town’s main commercial thoroughfares.

The plan allows for the future development of new hotel and retail outlets, business offices, health care facilities, restaurants, residential units and leisure facilities. Under the plan the southern site of Dublin Street will have new linkages to the towns core retail centre and planned developments there will incorporate existing civic usages and allow for new retail opportunities including a new shopping centre.

The Dublin Street Regeneration Plan has won several awards in the past number of years, including the Excellence in Planning Award 2018 in the Property Industry Excellence Awards and the Design Award in the Irish Planning Institute Awards 2018.

Each local authority submitted at least one application for funding under the URDF grant, all of which went through a rigorous assessment process, so congratulations goes to all council staff involved in the project for the past number of years and the submission of an excellent application.

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Municipal District, Cllr. Seamus Treanor and members of the Monaghan Municipal District when they welcomed the announcement of the funding of €13.1M for the Dublin Street and Backlands Regeneration Scheme.

Pictured above are (L-R) Cllr. Sean Conlon, Cathal Flynn, A/Director of Services, Donal McElwain, Monaghan Municipal District Coordinator, Cllr. David Maxwell, John Murray, Director of Services, Cllr. Seamus Treanor, Cathaoirleach, Monaghan Municipal District, Eamonn O’Sullivan, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council, Cllr. Paudge Connolly, Cllr. Cathy Bennett and Noel Finnegan, Senior Executive Engineer, Monaghan County Council. ©Rory Geary/The Northern Standard

Heather Humphreys, TD – Minister of Social Protection, Community and Rural Senator Robbie Gallagher and Cllr Raymond Aughey, when rhey welcomed the Development and the Islands, Cavan-Monaghan, at the Dublin St backlands when she funding of €13.1M for the Dublin St and Backlands Scheme. ©Rory Geary/The announced the funding of €13.1M for the Dublin St and Backlands Regeneration Northern Standard Scheme, with Cllr David Maxwell, Paul Clifford, Monaghan County Council and Noel Finnegan, Senior Executive Engineer, Monaghan County Council. ©Rory Geary/The Northern Standard S p r i n g 2 0 2 1 : P a g e 4 CORPORATE SERVICES COISTE GAEILGE

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Coiste na Gaeilge 2020

Díríonn Coiste na Gaeilge Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin ar úsáid na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn sa Chontae. Bunaíodh an Coiste agus toghadh na Comhairleoirí seo a leanas: An Comh. Pat Treanor, An Comh. Cathy Bennett, An Comh. Richard Truell, An Comh. Raymond Aughey agus An Comh. Hugh McElvaney.

Bhí dúshláin romhainn i 2020 ach is fíor, áfach, gur éirigh leis an gCoiste réimse leathan gníomhaíochtaí a sholáthar as Gaeilge agus orthusan bhí:

1.Scéim deontas do Sheachtain na Gaeilge trínar bronnadh naoi gcinn de dheontais €200 ar Ghrúpaí Pobail chun imeachtaí as Gaeilge sa Chontae a reachtáil. 2.Is mór an trua go raibh orainn an scéim bhliantúil scoláireachtaí chun mic léinn dara leibhéil a chur go dtí cúrsaí samhraidh sa Ghaeltacht a chur ar ceal, ach táimid tiomanta don bhfilleadh ar an scéim úd nuair a beidh na cúrsaí samhraidh ar siúl arís. 3.Tharla oiliúint sa teanga do bhaill fhoirne agus baill tofa Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin go luath sa bhliain agus 12 a bhí páirteach inti. Mí na Samhna tharla oiliúint ar leith don bhfoireann tosaigh sa phlé le custaiméirí as Gaeilge, an eagraíocht Gaelchultúr a sholáthraigh í sin ar bhonn náisiúnta. 4.Le linn an frithdhúnadh mí an Mheithimh d’eagraigh an Coiste trí oíche ceoil, amhrán agus filíochta i sraith beo ar Facebook darb ainm Le Chéile Muineachán. Bíodh is go raibh an-chuid srianta i gceist ba mhór an gaisce é a leithéid de chlár ardchaigdeáin a chur ar fáil. Gabhaimid buíochas le gach éinne a bhí ag baint leis na hócáidí. 5.Don Oíche Chultúir bhí an Coiste páirteach in ócáid san Ionad Patrick Kavanagh. Ba mhór an pléisiúr fáiltiú roimh an file áitiúil Caitríona Ní Chléiricín maraon leis an nGaeilgeoir ceolmhar cáiliúil Phillip King agus a bhanna ceoil Scullion. 6.Anuraidh cheannaigh an Leabharlann 250 leabhar nua as Gaeilge do pháistí ar chostas €1466. Anuas air sin d’eagraigh an Leabharlann ócáid le Gráinne McElwaine do mhic léinn meánscoile. D’fháiltíodh freisin roimh dhá Sheimineár Gréasáin leis an údar as Gaeilge Sadhbh Devlin mar chuid d’Fhéile Leabhar na bPáistí ar tharla sreabhadh orthu isteach go Bunscoileanna ar fud na tíre. 7.I ndiaidh tréimhse comhairliúcháin phoiblí sheol an Coiste Scéim nua Teanga go dtí an Aire Stáit Jack Chambers TD. Ghlac an tAire leis an Scéim ar an 27 Nollaig. Tá sé rí-thábhachtach go gcuirfear i bhfeidhm na geallúintí a luadh sa phlean seo go ceann na dtrí bliana atá romhainn amach.

Coiste Gaeilge Annual Report 2020

Monaghan County Council’s Coiste Gaeilge aims to promote the use of the Irish language in . The Coiste has been established with the following Councillors elected; Cllr. Pat Treanor, Cllr. Cathy Bennett, Cllr, Richard Truell, Cllr, Raymond Aughey and Cllr. Hugh McElvaney.

2020 was a challenging year, however ,the Coiste still managed to deliver a wide range of activities as Gaeilge they included:

1.Grant Scheme for Seachtain na Gaeilge with nine grants of €200 each awarded to Community Groups to hold for events as Gaeilge in the county. 2.Unfortunately, the annual scholarship scheme for second level students attending Gaeltacht courses during summer months was cancelled, but there is a commitment to return to this scheme when summer courses resume. 3.Irish language training for Monaghan County Council staff and elected members took place in the early part of the year with 12 participants. In November3 staff undertook specific training for front line staff dealing with customers As Gaeilge delivered on a national basis by Gaelchltúir. 4.During ‘COVID-19 Restrictions in June , the Coiste delivered 3 nights of music , song and poetry on a Facebook Live series called Le Chéile Muineachán. It was a great achievement by all involved to deliver such high-quality programme given the restrictions in place. An Coiste would again like to thank all involved 5.For Culture Night the Coiste participated in an event in the Patrick Kavanagh Centre. The Coise was delighted to have local poet Caitríona Ní Chleircín and well renowned musician and Gaelgeoir Phillip King and his band Scullion. 6.The Library bought 250 new children’s books as Gaeilge last year at a cost of €1466. The Library also ran an Irish language event with Gráinne McElwaine for secondary school students. They also hosted 2 Webinars with an Irish Language author Sadhbh Devlin as part of Children’s Book Festival in October which were streamed into Primary schools across the county. 7.The Coiste after a period of public consultation submitted a revised Irish Language Scheme to the Minister of State, Jack Chambers TD. The Scheme was accepted by the Minister on the 27th December. It is very important that the Council implements the commitments given in this plan over the next 3 years.

MUSEUM

St Brigid's Day Online Events

Monaghan County Museum teamed up with our colleagues in the Monaghan County Library Service and Wicklow Willow to bring you a mini-series on St. Brigid's Day Traditions, sharing the history of St. Brigid as well as instructions on how to make your own St. Brigid's Day Cross.

There is additional art activities available for children at www.monaghan.ie/library/brigid

Check out our Events Programme.

Even though our doors are closed right now, you can join us at the museum online. www.monaghan.ie/museum

Spring 2021: Page 5 International Women's Day: Monday 8th March 2021

To commemorate International Women's Day 2021, Monaghan County Museum highlighted women with a Monaghan connection that made a mark on the world’

Siobhán McKenna 1922 - 1986

Actor and Theatre Director

Born in Belfast she was brought up in Galway after her family moved for her father’s work, the McKenna household were all fluent Irish speakers. Following an illness she enrolled at the St Louis Secondary School in Monaghan as a boarder, this is where she developed her love of drama.

Siobhán was primarily a stage actress but also starred in many films and television dramas; she performed nationally and internationally in Galway, Dublin, London and Broadway. In 1956 she was the first Irish actor to win a Tony award. Brian Friel said “she personified an idea of Ireland”, she was honoured with life membership of the Abbey Theatre in 1966.

Image courtesy Siobhán McKenna Collection, James Hardiman Library Archives, NUIG

Josephine Carroll 1914 – 2001

Irish Country Women's Association National President.

Josephine worked as a legal executive in Monaghan until her marriage to Dick Carroll. Josephine was a founding member of Monaghan Irish Country Women's Association Guild and served on the National Executive as Treasurer and then President; she was also a founding member of the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Monaghan Town.

In 1974 she became the first elected lady member of Monaghan Urban District Council and was also the first lady to occupy the Chair. An accomplished dressmaker and craftsperson, she taught classes through the ICA and VEC.

Image courtesy Mary Carroll

Mary Cooper 1919 - 1946

Military Nurse in World War II

The family lived in Magheross, . Educated at Magheross National School and Viscount Weymouth Grammar School in Carrickmacross. Patrick Cooper, her father, was a Veterinary Surgeon with a practice in the town. Sister Mary Cooper, a nurse with Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, was evacuated during the ‘fall of Singapore’ in 1942.

She died in a Japanese prison camp from the combined effects of starvation, brutality and tropical diseases. She continued to nurse her fellow prisoners during captivity. Mary was one of 650 Irish citizens serving with the British armed forces who became prisoners of the Imperial Japanese Army in 1942, known as Far East Prisoners of War or FEPOW. Mary is buried in Jakarta War Cemetery, Indonesia; only her name was added to the family grave in St Finbar’s Church of Ireland graveyard.

Image courtesy Pat Dennif McKnight personal collection

Cassandra Hand 1809-1868

Famine Activist

Cassandra came to Clones in September 1847 along with her husband the Rev Thomas Hand, at the height of the Famine. Life in Clones contrasted sharply to Cassandra’s upbringing in Surrey and she was moved by the extreme poverty in and around her adopted town. She decided to promote crochet as a famine relief measure and set up a lace making school in her home at Bishopscourt just outside Clones.

The profits from the Clones Lace enabled Cassandra in 1859 to finance the construction of a 19th century Gothic-style building, which served as a school for the education of infants and young girls until 1911.

Image courtesy Pat Tubb

Spring 2021: Page 6 BROADBAND

High Speed Broadband installed in Tullycorbet Hall under Connected Communities.

Tullycorbet Parish Hall has become the latest Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) to go live within County Monaghan under the Connected Communities Initiative, delivering internal and external Wi-Fi in the Community Hall and the neighbouring car park up to 150 Mb/sec. It was a momentous week in the Tullycorbet area, with NBI crews out on the ground completing tree trimming and preparatory work in advance of high speed fibre rollout during the summer. This is truly a community BCP, with local landowner Seamus Treanor facilitating this project by allowing his property to be used as an intermediate site to bounce the broadband signal down to the Community Centre.

The Connected Communities Initiative delivers high speed broadband wirelessly to local community facilities in advance of the full rollout of fibre to every home and business in the area which does not have access to high speed broadband. More than 3,700 premises are expected to get new high speed fibre across County Monaghan in the course of 2021, representing almost 23% of the 15,000 premises to be covered.

The rollout of BCPs will continue in the coming months with five additional BCPs set to be connected in the course of 2021. This rollout is being coordinated by the Monaghan County Council’s Broadband Officer on behalf of the Government of Ireland.

The Government of Ireland is also assisting many of these BCPs through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. A number of BCPs have had additional IT equipment and video conferencing facilities installed in recent months, funded by Department of Rural and Community Development under Town and Village Renewal and by Monaghan County Council Municipal Districts.

The full list of BCPs which are now up and running and which have external wifi available is: Carn Resource Centre Connons Community Centre Corcaghan Community Centre Corduff-Raferagh Community Centre Latton Resource Centre Monaghan GAA Centre of Excellence Mullyash Commnuity Centre The Wetlands, Tannagh Outdoor Education Centre Tullycorbet Parish Hall

Connected Communities is an initiative of the Government of Ireland, in partnership with Vodafone and National Broadband Ireland.

Commenting on the Initiative, Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development said “I want to congratulate Monaghan on the launch of their BCP network as part of the Connected Communities Initiative. Connected Communities will unlock the potential in rural communities, transforming the lives of its residents. Whether that is connected working, the creative arts, eHealth or educational supports, the BCPs will be supported to provide the services that their communities need. These premises are not merely a stop-gap measure ahead of the arrival of the National Broadband Plan, it is our hope that they will instead become long-term community assets, fixtures of their communities, providing next generation services to Ireland’s rural heartlands.”

Further information: https://monaghan.ie/high-speed-broadband-installed-in-tullycorbet-hall- under-connected-communities/

Monaghan County Council Public Wi-Fi hotspot is now LIVE at Carrickmacross Workhouse

Monaghan County Council is currently rolling out public Wi-Fi through the Wifi4EU Programme in partnership with the Department of Rural & Community Development and Wifi4EU based in Brussels. This aims to expand the reach of public Wi-Fi to public areas, public buildings and community buildings throughout the county. This is being done in collaboration with Telecommunications partners within the county which has expanded its coverage across Carrickmacross and the Clones area in recent months.

Monaghan County Council Public WiFi hotspot is now LIVE at Carrickmacross Workhouse, Shercock Road, Carrickmacross.

Carrickmacross Workhouse, one of the few remaining Irish Workhouses to be lovingly and carefully restored, showcases our heritage and the best that South Monaghan has to offer.

The last few months have crystalised the importance of having a reliable, high-speed broadband service available to the public at this not for profit Community Resource, Training, Heritage and Tourist Centre.

Further information: https://monaghan.ie/monaghan-county-council-public-wifi-hotspot-is-now-live-at-carrickmacross-workhouse/

Spring 2021: Page 7 HERITAGE

Community Monuments Fund 2021

The Community Monuments Fund 2021 is now open for applications. Applications should be submitted on CMF-A Application form, and submitted to Monaghan County Council by 12 April 2021 to [email protected]

Please read carefully the explanatory memorandum for information on the scheme. The scheme is investing in the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.

If you need some clarification or advice, you can contact the Heritage Officer, Shirley Clerkin on [email protected] or by phone 087 6006449/047 73722

This scheme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Housing.

Details: https://monaghan.ie/heritage/2021/03/05/community-monuments- fund-2021/

Monaghan Biodiversity and Heritage Strategic Plan 2020-2025 Photographs of drain blocking site in . This work is being carried out by the Heritage Section through the CANN Project with the goal Monaghan Biodiversity and Heritage Strategic Plan 2020-2025 is of bog restoration.’ available for download here: https://monaghan.ie/heritage/biodiversity-and-heritage-strategic-plan- 2020-2025/

Monaghan County Council Heritage Office has an ambitious that by 2025 the role of heritage and biodiversity for climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable communities, functioning ecosystems, health and well-being is generally accepted in the county and embedded in the activities of Monaghan County Council.

The mission or purpose of the strategic plan is to protect, conserve and advocate for our biodiversity, tangible and intangible heritage, contributing to sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The plan contains thirteen strategic themes with action plans that will guide the work of the Monaghan County Council Heritage Office, and the County Monaghan Heritage Forum for the next five years.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation through heritage and biodiversity Monaghan’s Wonderful Wetlands. Hedgerows and Native woodland. High Nature Value Farmland. The Worm Ditch / The Black Pig’s Dyke. Pre-historic archaeology / Passage graves and cairns. Protected Structures. Vernacular and traditional buildings. Demesnes and estates. Historic Graveyards, holy wells and church ruins. Indigenous knowledge and traditions. Cross-border heritage. Irish and the vernacular English

Spring 2021: Page 8 HOUSING Clones Renewal Scheme

Monaghan County Council received Funding Approval 2019 from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme to demolish ten properties on Fermanagh Street and Analore Street, Clones and twenty-two new apartments and two new Townhouses in their place. Local Architectural firm Craftstudio is the Design Team Lead and the Employers Representative. The contractor, Lowry Construction Ltd., is making good progress on site under difficult circumstances and we are delighted that three apartments have been completed on the former Boylesports (Site 2) now known as the Upper Fermanagh Street Apartments and three more apartments are also completed on the former Davey Butchers (Site 1) now known as the Lower Fermanagh Street Apartments. These six new apartments will provide the highest quality finished homes with a Building Energy Rating of A2 and above.

The remaining eighteen properties consisting of nine apartments at the former site of An Bonnan Bui, Flower Shop and 63 Fermanagh Street (Site 3), three apartments at the former site of The Busted Sofa Bar & 83 Fermanagh Street (Site 4), two new townhouses at 2A and 3 Analore Street (Site 5) and four apartments at the former site of The Abbey Gatehouse Bar (Site 6) are still currently programmed for completion through the course of 2021.

Monaghan County Council will continue to seek additional funding for Social Housing projects of this type at every opportunity that arises and proactively pursue opportunities for additional social housing provision in areas of Housing Need throughout County Monaghan.

Clones Renewal Scheme – Site 2 – Upper Fermanagh Street Apartments (former Boylesports site)

Clones Renewal Scheme – Site 1 – Lower Fermanagh Street Apartments (former Davey’s Butchers)

Spring 2021: Page 9 TOURISM

New Interpretative Visitor Materials Now Available for

As part of the continuing work to promote Rossmore Forest Park, Monaghan Tourism are delighted to have two new interpretative guides available to maximise visitor enjoyment of the park.

The Rossmore Forest Park App, a newly developed digital visitor guide can be downloaded for free via the App Store and Google Play/Android. Experiences include the Nature Trail, Lakes Trail, Castle Trail and Family Cycle Trail (opening September 2021). Each route consists of a mapped guide, audio, quiz, history and much more. It blends a detailed description of the trail routes, along with various points of historical interest and significance to be discovered along the way.

In addition to the App, a newly created visitor leaflet for the park will shortly be going to print, featuring a beautifully illustrated map of the park, a brief history to the Rossmore Estate, and additional information on visitor facilities available on-site.

Nollaig na mBan at Patrick Kavanagh Centre, 6th January 2021

The Patrick Kavanagh Centre hosted a celebration of Nollaig na mBan on 6th January with a programme of music and poetry curated by Irish Language Officer Nial O’Connor. The event was pre-recorded before Christmas and broadcast online. Highlights were manifold with stunning performances from internationally acclaimed traditional artist Zoe Conway (performing with husband John McIntyre), broadcaster and poet Ciara Ní É, harpist Eilís Lavelle and Niamh Mhic Giolla Chomhaill accompanied by singers from Monaghan Town Comhaltas Branch.

The concert is still available to watch online on either Monaghan County Council or Patrick Kavanagh Centre Facebook pages. https://www.facebook.com/Monaghancoco/videos/1774970239333148

D’fháiltigh an tIonad Patrick Kavanagh roimh cheiliúradh Nollaig na mBan ar an 6 Eanáir trí chlár ceoil agus filíochta a d’eagair an tOifigeach Gaeilge Nial O’Connor. Taifeadadh an ócáid roimh an Nollaig agus craoladh í ar líne. Ba iad na buaicphointí ná léirithe iontacha ón gceoltóir traidisiúnta Zoe Conway atá aitheanta go hidirnáisiúnta (a fear chéile John McIntyre ina teannta), an craoltóir agus file Ciara Ní É, an cláirseoir Eilís Lavelle agus Niamh Mhic Giolla Chomhaill maraon le hamhránaithe ó Chraobh Mhuineacháin Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Tá an cheolchoirm fós le feiceáil ar líne ar leathanaigh Facebook Chomhairle Contae Mhuineacháin nó Ionad Patrick Kavanagh. https://www.facebook.com/Monaghancoco/videos/1774970239333148 Spring 2021: Page 10 ROADS Preferred Route Corridors Announced for the N2 Ardee to and N2 to Border Road Schemes

Monaghan County Council is working in association with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to upgrade two sections of the N2/A5 Dublin-Derry Road. One of the projects, the Clontibret to Border Road Scheme, will upgrade a 28km section of the N2. Monaghan County Council is working in partnership with and TII on the second project – an upgrade of a 32km section of the N2 between Ardee and Castleblayney. Together with other improvements planned for the N2/A5 route, these proposed schemes will significantly improve transport connectivity along the N2 and provide safer and more efficient access to other strategic national roads. These are important projects to enhance key North/South and Regional connectivity and to improve road safety.

Monaghan County Council has appointed Jacobs Consulting Engineers (Jacobs) to advance the project through the planning and design process. Emerging Preferred Route Corridors were published for both projects in August 2020, and a period of public consultation ran until the 5th October 2020. The Project Team would like to sincerely thank the public for their feedback and engagement with them throughout the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor Consultation.

Over 350 meetings were held with interested stakeholders throughout the consultation period, which included remote meetings and in-person physically-distanced meetings in venues in Monaghan Town and Carrickmacross.

‘We were delighted to have been able to offer members of the public an opportunity to talk with the N2 Project Team via telephone, video call or face to face appointment during our recent public consultation and would like to sincerely thank the public for engaging with the project team and giving their feedback.’ Said Patricia Monahan, Director of Services for Monaghan County Council.

Over 80 written submissions were received on the N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme and over 180 on the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road Scheme. A Post Consultation Report was prepared for each project, documenting the consultation process and outlining the type of feedback received – the Post Consultation Report is available to download from the project website www.N2MonaghanLouth.ie.

Following review and consideration of the submissions and feedback received, it was determined that there was no new and/or additional information of enough significance that required an amendment to the previously presented Emerging Preferred Route Corridors for either scheme. Therefore, the Corridors presented at the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor consultation have been selected as the Preferred Route Corridor Options. Option H: Green+Yellow+Orange is the Preferred Route Corridor Option (‘Preferred Option’) for the N2 Clontibret to Border Road Scheme. On the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road Scheme, Option A: Yellow, is the Preferred Route Corridor Option (‘Preferred Option’).

The preferred Route Corridors were published on Tuesday, 9th February 2021. A map of the Preferred Route Corridor for each scheme is available to view on the project website www.N2MonaghanLouth.ie. An information leaflet was delivered to properties and registered landowners within the Preferred Route Corridors, and adverts features in local press and on social media.

The preferred Route Corridors are typically 400m wide, however they do not represent the actual width of the Road Scheme or the lands to be acquired – the corridor indicates the lands within which the N2 Road Scheme could be developed. The exact details of the land-take, earthworks, junction and side road design and property impacts will be developed during the next Phase of the planning and design process.

An Option Selection Report, which documents the process of selecting the Preferred Route Corridors, has been published for each Road Scheme and can be viewed or downloaded from the project website (www.N2MonaghanLouth.ie). A digital copy of the report (on a memory stick) can be requested from the N2 Project Team for those who cannot download the report due to poor internet access. The reports can also be viewed by appointment at Council Offices (subject to applicable government restrictions/ guidelines related to COVID-19). Please contact the N2 Project Team to request an appointment.

What happens next?

With the Preferred Route Corridors identified, the development of the scheme (including design of the road, identifying the land-take required, junction design and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment), can now progress. This next phase is referred to as Phase 3; Design & Environmental Evaluation, and is planned to take place in 2021 and 2022.

In order to inform the design process, the N2 Project Team will first undertake a range of engineering and environmental site surveys on lands within and around the Preferred Route Corridors. The design team will be in contact with relevant landowners in relation to these surveys.

As the site surveys are completed, the initial design of the road can be progressed. When the design has reached a level of maturity where informed discussions can take place, the N2 Project Team will consult with directly impacted landowners in relation to the initial design and its impact on land and property. Stakeholders and the general public will be kept informed of progress as part of Monaghan and Louth County Council’s commitment to ongoing stakeholder engagement.

Roisin Moore is Monaghan County Council’s Project Liaison Officer on these projects, with responsibility for co-ordinating activities between Monaghan County Council and the other organisations involved. Jacobs is undertaking landowner liaison and is the main point of contact for landowners and stakeholders.

Stakeholders can make contact with the project team by calling: The N2 Project Phoneline on 087 340 3786, or by email [email protected] / [email protected].

Spring 2021: Page 11 Blackwater Bridge

The replacement of the bridge at Coolshannagh, was substantially completed in November 2020. The overall project costs including construction, design, accommodation works, archaeology and advance works were €6 million. The single span precast arches were installed in November 2019 and the road was open to traffic in July 2020. Extensive accommodation works were carried out including a bus lay-by and parking at St. Macartan’s College.

Winter Maintenance:

Monaghan County Council Winter Maintenance team responds to an average of 69 callouts per year, salting approx. 610km per callout which represents 24% of the county’s road network. The fleet of gritting vehicles cover Margaret Skinnader Roundabout: eight routes and lorries can be fitted with snow plough blades in order to clear roads during periods of adverse The Part 8 Planning Application for the new weather during the months of October – April. roundabout was published on 18 February 2021.

Pictured Above: Observations / submissions can be made up to (View from the snow plough on the N2, Spring 2021) 1st April 2021.

Brackley Bridge: Cycling Paths:

The Department of Transport has Monaghan County Council has received funding to design and 4 cycle paths at various locations along the provided funding of €1,200,000 to carry N2. The locations are: Ballyalbanny Junction to Coolshannagh roundabout (0.8Km), Corracrin to out junction realignment works & Village (0.25Km), Corlat Roundabout to Monaghan Collegiate School (0.65Km). The longest stretch from replacement culvert works at Brackley Ballyalbany to Tydavent (5.2km) will be completed in 2022. Bridge on the R181.

Greenway:

A Planning application for the Border to Middletown section of the Canal Greenway was submitted to Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council in early March. The Planning documentation for the Monaghan Town to the Border section is currently being finalised and it is expected that the Pavement Renewals & formal Part 8 application will be Works in Monaghan submitted before the end of March. Town:

Pictured Ulster Canal Towpath, south of Re-surfacing works and Skervan. footpath works on North Rd, Old Cross Square, Dawson St, and Broad Road are scheduled to commence at the end of April 2021.

These works are planned to be undertaken at night- time (Sunday to Thursday) to minimise any disruption to business.

Pictured (Monaghan Town Resurfacing)

Spring 2021: Page 12 COMMUNITY AND ENTERPRISE

Age Friendly Keep Well Booklet

Following on from our Age Friendly Cocooning Activity Pack, Monaghan Age Friendly Programme has produced a new booklet for older people in the community. The Keep Well booklet is an small information Booklet contains information on keeping physically and mentally well during these challenging times.

The booklet also contains information on COVID-19 and what to do if you feel you have symptoms of the virus.

We have included contact information for pharmacies in the county and Doctor on Call.

Monaghan Gardai have kindly offered to deliver the booklets throughout the community on behalf of the Age Friendly Programme,

Pick up a free copy at your local pharmacy or Download a copy here: https://monaghan.ie/monaghan-age- friendly-programme-keep-well- booklet/

Plans were underway to launch Monaghan Women’s Assembly – A voice in local government for local women

Monaghan County Council was awarded funding from Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke to deliver a project that aims to promote women and people from minority groups to get involved in local government.

Monaghan’s project is focused on the establishment of Monaghan Women’s Assembly, a platform for women to come together with their local county councillors to discuss and highlight issues impacting on women and the barriers that prevent women from participating in politics.

A energetic committee, including Monaghan County Council female Elected members -Cllr Cathy Bennett, Cllr, Aoife Mc Cooey, Monaghan County Council Social Inclusion Officer, Monaghan PPN Development Officer, NCCWN Dochas for Women, NCCWN Blayney Blades are working together to get this project up and running.

The first meeting was held on February 2nd 2021 with planning beginning for the official launch of Monaghan Women’s Assembly on International Women’s Day 2021.

Monaghan Women's Assembly Launch: 8th March 2021

To celebrate International Women's Day, Minister Heather Humphreys TD officially launched Monaghan Women's Assembly on 8th March 2021.

Over 200 people joined the online event to hear about the work Monaghan Women's Assembly hopes to achieve.

There were wonderful contributions from all our speakers on their experiences as a woman working in Monaghan.

Monaghan Women's Assembly will bring the voice of local women into local politics.

You can watch the event here: https://tinyurl.com/live-eventMCCwomenassembly

Spring 2021: Page 13 Monaghan Together – Unique and United Christmas Crafts across Cultures

In December 2020, Monaghan Together – Unique and United project and NCCWN Dochas for Woman, with help from St. Patrick’s Accommodation Centre, organised a Christmas craft making project for women and children from various cultures and local communities. The hand-crafted Christmas decorations were given to local nursing homes.

Monaghan Together – Unique and United project is co- financed by the European Commission under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2014-2020 and is supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The project is managed and implemented by Monaghan County Council.

Working collaboratively with partners at local and national levels, the project aims to embed an awareness and understanding of diversity, tolerance and equality in County Monaghan. This will be achieved through educational programmes, including the Schools of Sanctuary Programme, awareness raising, intercultural community events and capacity building of individuals, community groups, volunteers and service delivery agencies.

Running Initiative Brings Locals and Asylum Seekers Together to Share Beautiful Rossmore Forest Park

* National award-winning initiative launches in Monaghan * Locals and those living in Direct Provision running, jogging and walking together * Focus on Solidarity, Friendship and Respect

Earmarked to launch in late spring the Monaghan Sanctuary Runners had to put their plans on hold as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold across Ireland.

But in recent weeks the group has taken to running, jogging and walking in small pods in the stunning Rossmore Forest Park.

Residents from the St. Patrick’s Direct Provision Centre in Monaghan town have been joining locals, all wearing the iconic blue Sanctuary Runners’ tops, to get out into the countryside and get to know each other.

The Sanctuary Runners’ movement began in January, 2018 in Cork and there are now 24 groups across Ireland with over 2,200 participants – a quarter of those coming from within direct provision and the rest form wider Irish society.

“The running is secondary really and a lot of those who are involved with us prefer to jog or walk. We have participants of all different abilities and ages. The Sanctuary Runners is a way to build bridges between people and communities – including those behind the gates and doors of Direct Provision centres. It’s about getting to know each other as people and discarding the labels which so often lead to fear, suspicion and isolation. We wrap everything we do in a blanket of positivity and seek to lift everyone who shows up to take part,” explains Graham Clifford, founder of the Sanctuary Runners and National Coordinator.

Named as one of Europe’s leading social-inclusion-through-sport initiatives by the European Commission in 2019 the movement is apolitical and the focus is on solidarity, friendship and respect.

In 2021 Sanctuary Runner groups are expected to launch in Europe, the U.S and Australia.

Graham Clifford visited Monaghan earlier in the year to meet with local groups leaders Patrick Meehan and Billy Flynn.

“We were ready to get running in the spring but, like so many initiatives, had to apply the handbrake. But we used the intervening time to prepare for a later launch and were thrilled to hear we had been successful in acquiring funding via the Monaghan Sports Partnership. In addition, Monaghan County Council have been an enormous help to us in terms of advice and practical support. Working closely with Brenda Clerkin, Integration Officer with Monaghan County Council and the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, we were able to finally get running in early December, all safely and sensibly,” said Clifford.

Explaining why this initiative has been so transformative Graham Clifford believes it will thrive in Monaghan.

He said: “There are so many people in Direct Provision, in Monaghan and in Carrickmacross, who feel isolated, who are struggling. There are so many local people who want to help break that isolation and to contribute on a human level. And while there are many charity initiatives which people can donate to, there is simply no greater donation than one’s time and respect. We need these bridges across Irish society, otherwise how can we claim to understand what asylum seekers are dealing with and comprehend the system in which they are kept during their prolonged application process. By treating someone as an equal and not a recipient of charity we help develop healthy, organic relationships which boost self-confidence and a feeling of belonging. We’ve seen this model work across Ireland and we know it can work in Monaghan too. We’re really excited to see it develop over the coming months and years.”

To find out more about the Sanctuary Runners visit: Sanctuaryrunners.ie or to contact us just email [email protected] or in Monaghan [email protected]

Spring 2021: Page 14 Monaghan Comhairle na nÓg

In 2020 the Youth Council members worked on the topic of Inclusion and Disabilities.

On the evening of their online AGM, over 70 young people from all over the County listened as members of the Comhairle, presented the work they carried out throughout the year. Some of work included the production of a video for Lámh users. The video highlights what Lámh is and gives a message to all Lámh users. The group also spoke about an information booklet they developed around Hidden Disabilities. It is a youth friendly booklet that highlights seven different Hidden Disabilities.

The booklet also includes personal stories and artwork by young people from across County Monaghan who are living with a Hidden Disability. These booklets have been distributed through the Youth organisations and Secondary Schools in the county.

Healthy Ireland Keep Well Campaign

The National Keep Well campaign is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines.

The programme commenced in December 2020 and key internal partners include Healthy Monaghan, Monaghan Sports Partnership, Creative Monaghan, Monaghan Libraries and Monaghan Age Friendly Programme along with external partners such as Befriending Monaghan, Irish Red Cross and Community Response Forum members.

A variety of programmes are being delivered by all partners, complimented by an extensive communications campaign across radio, press and social media. To find out more information on events and listen to some podcasts go to the council website at www.monaghan.ie/keep-well

Monaghan Public Participation Network (PPN) Ensuring Communities Stay Connected

Monaghan PPN ended 2020 with a presentation to its members on all the work the PPN managed to achieve in what was a very difficult year for the community sector. The community and voluntary sector faced many challenges in 2020 due to COVID-19, but with the support of the PPN, member groups came together to celebrate all the work they had achieved together. Over 65 members from across the county attended the event which was held online.

Present at the meeting were Cathaoirleach Cllr. Colm Carthy and Chief Executive Eamonn O’Sullivan along with other Senior Management of the Community Section. Cllr. Carthy thanked the community sector for how they responded back in March 2020 in their own communities in response to the pandemic. He gave examples of the many supports they provided in response to calls through the Community Call Helpline and their presence on the Community Response Forum from its inception. He also congratulated the PPN on finding new ways of working through online meetings and training sessions. The Cathaoirleach finished by once again thanking the PPN on behalf of all of Monaghan County Council Elected Representatives for their commitment and dedication in their local areas.

The Chief Executive concurred with the Cathaoirleach in his thanks and appreciation to all those present at the meeting and to those who could not attend. He talked about the fantastic working relationship Monaghan County Council has with community groups and gave many examples of collaborative projects. He finished by outlining some of the key funding streams that the Local Authority administers, providing much needed investment into the county which benefits the quality of life for everyone.

A presentation was provided by the Resource Worker Leona Keenan on the PPN key achievements in 2020 and what their plans are for 2021. New ways of working in 2020 had to be found and the very successful meeting showed everyone the benefits of being a part of a network that can bring people together and stay connected in difficult times and the PPN can build on this for the future.

Follow Monaghan PPN and its activities on www.ppnmonaghan.ie

Spring 2021: Page 15 National Tree Week 2021 Sunday 21st March to Saturday 27th March 2021

The Tree Council supplied Monaghan County Council with 200 native saplings to give out to groups, schools etc.

To avail of a tree or three please email: [email protected]

This year’s theme : “Healthy Trees mean a Healthy Planet”. With COVID-19 and the restrictions placed regarding travel, gatherings and the organisation of events, the Tree Council encouraged National Tree Week in a safe, socially-distant manner. To that end National Tree Week was held virtually. Over the course of the week, there was lots of tree related activities and information on the treecouncil.ie website. Tree Council President, Éanna Ní Lamhna hosted a webinar “Trees in Springtime” showcasing lots of interesting facts about the blossoming of trees.

MONAGHAN SPORTS PARTNERSHIP

Playground Marking Stencils

Monaghan Sports Partnership’s Playground Sports Capital Grant Workshop: Marking Stencil programme continues, and the stencils were delivered to St. Endas National Monaghan Sports Partnership School at the end of January where collaborated with our partners in stencils works are being completed. Cavan, Louth and Leitrim Sports Partnerships to facilitate an online workshop for clubs who were wishing to apply for a Sports Capital Grant issued by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

The workshop was held on Tuesday the 9th of February and there were 100 participants in attendance.

This included 24 representatives from Monaghan, ranging from GAA clubs to Swimming clubs to primary school principals.

0-3k Walk to Jog Beginner Programme

Monaghan Sports Partnership launched their 0 to 3K Walk to Jog Beginner Programme on the 1st of March.

This FREE 6-week Programme is suitable for all ages and is ideal for complete beginners, and anyone who wishes to increase their walking fitness and progress to jogging with relative ease with the help of podcasts from an experienced coach.

It is a simple progressive programme that begins with more walking than jogging, and gradually evolves into more jogging than walking over a 6-week period.

Participants receive two podcasts and session plans each week to guide them through each session.

Monaghan Sports Partnership’s podcast coach will guide participants step by step each week making the transition from walking to jogging easier and more fun.

There are a total of 434 participants of all ages taking part in this Programme.

Spring 2021: Page 16 Community Participation - Online Activity Classes

In November Monaghan Sports Partnership launched a series of online exercise / activity classes for a range of ages, genders and abilities.

There was a great uptake in all activities and in total 672 registered participants took part, this includes pre-school children as young as 3 years old to older adults in their mid-70’s.

Following on from the initial suite of programmes, Monaghan Sports Partnership teamed up with Rinka Monaghan to add FREE activities for our Pre-School services across County Monaghan. Classes were delivered on two days a week for a period of 5 weeks.

As the end of 2020 approached and with restrictions once again in force, Monaghan Sports Partnership surveyed participants about possible classes in the new year with a view to a January 2021 Programme.

Let’s Get Active 2021

Monaghan Sports Partnership launched the Let’s Get Active 2021 Programme on the 11th of January. This programme of activities was devised in order to help people across the county to kickstart 2021 in the most positive and active way.

Monaghan Sports Partnership put together a comprehensive schedule of activities which includes 18 weekly classes across an eight week period. These classes are being delivered live virtually via the app Zoom and are also being recorded where they can be completed at a time which best suits participants.

The activity programme has been developed to incorporate something for everybody, both young and old, absolute beginner or more experienced exercise enthusiast, in order to help all our families, stay as active as possible through these difficult and testing times.

There has been a fantastic uptake in all activities. In total there are 580 registered participants taking part, this number ranges across all age groups and includes children as young as 3 years old to older adults in their mid-70’s.

Education & Training - Online Classes

For the period October to December 2020, Monaghan Sports Partnership hosted 4 Workshops online. Having commenced the delivery of Safeguarding online for the first time in September, Monaghan Sports Partnership facilitated another 3 workshops over subsequent weeks which were all well attended, with capacity limited to 12 attendees.

As CARA (Centre for Adapted Physical Activity also moved their workshops online, Monaghan Sports Partnership were in a position to host an ‘Autism in Sport’ workshop which was attended by 12 sports club volunteers.

Wibbly Wobbly Balance Bike Older Adult and Disability Activity Plans

Monaghan Sports Partnership Wibbly Wobbly Monaghan Sports Partnership along with the national network of Sports Partnerships and in conjunction Balance Bike Programme temporarily resumed with Sport Ireland, developed a 4-week physical activity plan for older adults and a 4-week physical in November 2020, with one Childcare service activity plan for people with a disability. availing of the loan of 10 balance bikes to ‘try out’ free of charge. These 4-week activity plans support people to try and reach the minimum of 30 minutes of daily physical activity, as recommended in Ireland’s National Physical Activity Plan. This scheme allows Childcare services to encourage children to learn to cycle by using balance bikes on-site which helps develop motor The Home Exercise Plans demonstrate skills, balance, confidence and ability and gives a number of exercises as well as children a firm foundation on which to build adaptations for those with limited cycling skills for the future. mobility or with disabilities.

To date over 200 disability booklets have been delivered to 10 services across the county. Each service will distribute the booklets to its individual users.

Older Adult booklets are available upon request from Monaghan Sports Partnership office and both booklets are also available to download online.

Spring 2021: Page 17 Coaching Children Physical Literacy Workshop

Monaghan Sports Partnership facilitated a Coaching Children Physical Literacy Workshop in partnership with Cavan Sports Partnership. Sport Ireland Coaching developed this course to give participants the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of physical literacy. Physical literacy is the foundation for lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity.

This was an interactive 2-hour workshop which enabled participants to:

(1) Outline the origins, definition, elements, relationship between the elements and importance of physical literacy.

(2) Explain whether individuals can be described as ‘physically literate’ and whether physical literacy can be assessed.

There were 12 participants in attendance on this workshop.

Coaching Children Workshop Series: 6-week course beginning Thursday the 11th of March

Monaghan Sports Partnership facilitated a Coaching Children Workshop series which commenced on Thursday the 11th of March. Sport Ireland Coaching developed this Coaching Children Programme consiting of 4 modules to provide coaches and volunteers with a basic understanding of children’s sport and physical activity and best ways to optimise children’s enjoyment, participation and positive outcomes.

The concepts of Physical Literacy and Holistic Development run throughout the series of workshops which covered in detail.

Workshop 1: Coaching Children Successfully in Sport – An Introduction for Coaches

Workshop 2:Child-Centred Coaching – Understanding Child Development & Learning and its Impact on How We Coach

Workshop 3:Developing Physical Literacy through Sport 1 – Coaching Children to Move

Workshop 4:Developing Physical Literacy through Sport 2 – Coaching Children to Think

The workshop had 20 participants in attendance.

Be Active At Home Workout Series

At the beginning of March, Monaghan Sports Partnership launched the Be Active At Home Workout Series.

This is a professional exercise video resource which comprises of 3 seated exercise routines and 3 standing exercise routines along with a separate flexibility session seated and a separate flexibility session standing. Athletics Ireland Assistant Athletics Coach Course

The exercise workouts are tailored to Monaghan Sports Partnership facilitated an assistant coach suit mainly adults with a disability and workshop on Thursday 4th of March for coaches in athletics clubs older adults. All these sessions can be in County Monaghan. completed from your own home. The aim of the assistant coach course is to give some basic skills to This resource will be available on DVD the beginner coach to help assist a more senior coach in the and also on USB so it can be viewed on delivery of coaching sessions to young athletes. It is an DVD player, a laptop, tablet or Smart introduction to coaching in three key event areas, running TV. (sprints and endurance), jumping (long jump) and throwing (shot putt). For more information on this resource contact Monaghan Sports Partnership There were 21 coaches in attendance from athletics clubs in on 042-9755126 County Monaghan.

Keep Well Radio Campaign

As part of the Keep Well Campaign Monaghan Sports Partnership worked in collaboration with Cavan Sports Partnership and Healthy Monaghan and Healthy Cavan Co- ordinators to facilitate a 4-week radio campaign on Northern Sound FM.

This included 8 radio interviews, which varied from health and exercise professionals offering advice and guidance to talks with local champions across the two counties speaking about their own personal experiences and journeys.

Podcasts of each interview are available from the Keep Well page on Monaghan County Council website.

Spring 2021: Page 18 MONAGHAN COUNTY LIBRARIES

Keep Well with Monaghan County Libraries & Creative Ireland

The “Keep Well” Campaign is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. Monaghan County Library Service is delighted to have responsibility for the Switching Off and Being Creative Theme.

Switching Off and Being Creative: Switching off and being creative or learning something new, getting back to nature and finding ways to relax can help our general wellbeing. The local authorities and Libraries, with advice from the Creative Ireland Programme, and working with partners at local and national level, will provide a range of initiatives to support individual and community creativity in the arts, crafting, culture and heritage.

Between January and end of March a series of activities were organised and facilitated by the Library Service working in partnership with a number of key stakeholders and community groups.

This included:

Creativity Boxes for Families Mindfulness Packs for Cocooners:

Creativity Boxes packed full of Art & Craft materials which were Over 100 bags jammed full of mindfulness resources and activities were delivered distributed through the Family Resource Centre’s and Food Bank Network. to the homes of cocooners availing of the Library Home Delivery Service.

Getting Monaghan Knitting:

Over 500 Balls of Wool & Knitting Needles, along with instructions on how to knot an Easter Bunny were distributed to people of all ages across the county.

Other events & initiatives included -Town Tours – can’t have physical tours production of funny quirky videos of Clones and Monaghan towns to take place. -Birds of Sliabh Beagh – we are currently working with the Sliabh Beagh CANN project & Monaghan County Council Heritage Section, producing a booklet for people to identify the wildlife of the area. -Sketching the Wildlife of Ireland- A beginners course via Zoom. -An Introduction to Photography- For both Teenagers & Adult. -Magic of Music – Sing, play, listen write & chill with the Local Arts in Education Programme. -Family Tin Whistle Programme- in association with Cavan Monaghan Music Generation

There has been a huge response to the events, so much so we have had to offer additional sessions due to the extra demand.

Harry Potter Science Clubs - Wingardium Leviosa!!!

It seems County Monaghan is full of Harry Potter Fans! When we advertised our 4-week Harry Potter Science School it booked out within 10 minutes. Such was the demand, we are currently running 5 clubs every week throughout March. Children are learning to create invisible ink, levitating feathers, magical potions and much more. Watch out for an influx of Hogwarts Wizards in your area!

Calligraphy Classes

As libraries remain closed, we’ve been coming up with other ways to keep our members interested in the written word. The most beautiful written words are found in the art of calligraphy. Once again, there was huge interest and all places were scooped up within hours of being advertised. Such was the demand, a second class was subsequently arranged. Calligraphy pens were sent out in advance so participants were able to jump straight in to this practical course. We are really looking forward to seeing the results!

Spring 2021: Page 19 What do Dolly Parton, Marcus Rashford and Monaghan County Libraries have in common? Answer: We all understand the value of putting books into the hands of young children.

Did you know Dolly Parton has gifted over 152 million free books to children to help foster a love of reading and increased their literacy levels. Marcus Rashford has also committed to providing books to books to 380,000 children across the UK.

This year, Monaghan County Libraries teamed up with the Lifestart Growing Child Programme to provide 1 book a month to families engaged with the programme. We have selected 12 wonderful Board books which are posted out monthly to the children. These books are theirs to keep so by the end of the year they’ll have a gorgeous collection of 12 books to enjoy. For each book sent out, a librarian also records a video of the story being read so families can listen or read along together.

The aim of the Lifestart Child Literacy Project is to encourage families to take some time out to read together and increase literacy levels within the home. Did you know studies have shown that children who are read to once a day will hear over 250,000 more words by the time they are 5 than children who don’t get stories? We think that’s pretty amazing! Imagine how much easier school will be if they are familiar with all those words before learning how to read themselves.

World Book Day

World Book Day is one of the best days of the year to be a book lover! This year we asked Children to dress up as their favourite character or read a passage from their favourite book. We got a huge response and were delighted to spend World Book Day sorting through the amazing entries and marvelling at the creativity shown in putting the costumes together. Winners will be announced on the Monaghan County Library Facebook Page.

Ireland Read’s - The campaign to get Ireland reading on February the 25th. Monaghan County Libraries Home Delivery Service

Ireland Reads was a campaign to get the whole country reading on the national day of reading on Thursday, February 25th. Monaghan Libraries teamed up with libraries nationwide, publishers, booksellers, authors and others for the campaign, which is part of the government’s Keep Well initiative and aims to celebrate reading and all the benefits it can have for wellbeing and enjoyment.

The campaign asked everyone to ‘squeeze in a read’ on Ireland Reads Day. A new website www.irelandreads.ie has been set up where people can pledge to read and see how much time has been pledged by the Irish public so far.

The Ireland Reads website also offers book recommendations suited to a person’s interests and the time they have available. There are more than 800 recommendations from librarians all around the country. A website user can simply enter their favourite type of book and how long they would like to read each day and the website will offer a suitable book suggestion and work out how long it will take to complete – a couch to 5k for books!

A number of well-known campaign ambassadors from the worlds of writing, science, sport, health and broadcasting were on board to help promote the campaign but we also rounded up some of Monaghan’s finest to help spread word. We’d like to say Thank You to Grainne McElwain, Séan Rocks, Malachy Clerkin, Michéal Bannigan, Ryan McAnespie & Dessie Ward for getting involved.

While Monaghan libraries are not currently open for browsing or borrowing due to COVID-19 Restrictions, library members can use the library Borrowbox service online and choose from more than 44,000 eBooks and 33,000 eAudiobooks. Discover all of our online services at www.monaghan.ie/library

Spring 2021: Page 20 CREATIVE MONAGHAN

Creative Ireland Programme 2020

This year the committee was presented with a challenge in delivering the Creative Ireland Programme during COVID-19.

Undaunted, a total of 17 projects were supported by programme funding of €201,000, with additional funding being provided in July for Job Stimulus projects and Positive Ageing and Creative Wellbeing.

Cruinniú na nÓg

This was a national day of creativity for children and young people. We moved the Festival in a Van entire programme online and set up a YouTube channel for most of the events with over 6000 viewers of them. Festival in a Van visited nursing care homes and centres working A broad programme was devised in partnership with the Local Arts in Education with adults who have disabilities Partnership and . between October-December, bringing music and entertainment to the residents during this challenging time while engaging local musicians to deliver.

The Nature Project

The Nature Project is an innovative new collaborative project with artist Siobhan McDonald, comprised of a series of enquiries connected with Environmental change – such as the roll of bogs in Climate Change and the impact on our health and well-being of our ecosystems and ourselves.

Throughout the duration of The Nature Project, Siobhan is proposing a vast programme of activities across the partnering institutions: residencies, exhibitions, pop-up labs, workshops and talks.

This project will raise awareness and foster creative and critical reflections about environmental challenges that our society is currently facing.

Writer in Residence Patrick Kavanagh Legacy Programme

Over a period of 9 months, Deirdre Cartmill is in residency This programme has three distinct project parts delivering a diverse programme of creative writing involving community groups, the creative workshops, online tutorials, working with schools and community, schools and various cultural, individuals whilst working on her own writing. archival and library council services. It is a series of discreet projects stimulating fresh Alongside Deirdre’s residency, Steve Lally facilitated a perspectives on the life and work of Patrick Monaghan Folk Tales Residency based around his publication Kavanagh, one of Ireland's most beloved poets, of the same name. and the significance of his work in a contemporary context.

Tradoodle Festival

Tradoodle Festival is about children and young people, community engagement, and it is about providing opportunities for children and young people to access the traditional arts in innovative, interesting, and meaningful ways.

Elsewhere – The Opera

Elsewhere is a new opera project led by Christmas Theatre to composer Michael Gallen, based on the Classrooms true story of the world’s first Soviet supporting the LAEP outside the USSR – in the lunatic asylum where theatre was of a small Irish town – established brought to the fleetingly in 1919. classrooms of schools across counties Cavan Elsewhere will be rehearsed and and Monaghan during performed in Iontas Castleblayney and December. will premiere at the Abbey Theatre in November 2021 with European premiere at the Opera de Rouen.

Spring 2021: Page 21 Song Ties Inscribed histories at the Rossmore Mausoleum Song Ties is an intergenerational arts project which connected residents of A project to develop a plan around the next stage of Castleross Nursing Home with children conservation of the Mausoleum. Elements being from a local primary school class in a considered include the commissioning of a new virtual song exchange and performance stained-glass piece to fit into the existing window revetments, using an element of the heritage of the Westenras as an inspiration with virtual tour or art pieces on the viewing platform to reflect the art, architecture and interior of the building and the histories of those buried in the graveyard.

Let’s Go Digital Course for Creative Practitioners

A digital upskilling course of 7 workshops, delivered by artist/folklorist Michael Fortune.

The course gave creative practitioners and community workers an opportunity to learn how to use online digital tools to expend their practice and connect with fellow peers.

Playwriting Workshops and Performance of Monologue Plays Project Sensory Songs -in partnership with Local Arts in Education Partnership Project led by Dr Thomas Johnston, a Working with the youth theatre groups in both counties, Shane Mac an traditional musician and Artistic Bhaird, a writer from Ballybay worked with the young people on a program Director of Ceol Connected, and Orla consisting of playwriting workshops, writing, rehearsals, performances. Kelly, a visual artist and Director of Early Childhood Creativity, the project is multisensory in nature, incorporating light, sound, touch, smell, texture

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the artists recorded a workshop in the Market House, Monaghan which was shared with the participating schools and North East Down Syndrome Centre along with specially made multisensory boxes. An online session was facilitated for the teachers on how to use the video and the boxes.

Monaghan Murals

Monaghan County Museum, working in partnership with the Patrick Kavanagh Centre as well as other key partners within the County Council and wider community plan to develop a project aimed at supporting local artists and engaging the community in their history and heritage through the medium of murals.

DECADE OF CENTENARIES

Decade of Centenaries – Library projects Ireland’s Poetic Strive to Independence – Poets of the Rising and the Revolutionary Period Project One Book One County Initiative For 2020, we continued with our programme ‘Ireland’s Poetic Strive to An annual initiative facilitated by Library service, Independence’ which was devised in 2019 with a local award-winning where all schools, book clubs and groups are invited poet Ted McCarthy. For 2020, zoom discussions took place around a to read the one book and discuss it. The book chosen number of literary and poetry topics relating to 1920 period. for 2020/21 is the newly published ‘The Sound of Freedom’ by Ann Murtagh. After a particularly unusual 2020, it was unclear whether we would even be able to run with our schools project this year, but thankfully, after looking at it from a new perspective, everything eventually worked in our favour. With more than 25 schools and over 700 children engaging in the project this year, it has been a huge success and schools have embraced the challenges thrown up by this year’s online aspect

Spring 2021: Page 22 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES National Environmental Enforcement Priorities 2021 Annual Environmental Inspection Plan

Environmental Services has prepared and submitted their annual Environmental Inspection Plan 2020 (RMCEI Plan), to the EPA. The plan details the number of inspections that will be carried out by Environmental Services in delivering on National Environmental Priorities. The priorities are as follows

The National Environmental Enforcement Priorities are 1. National Waste Priorities 2021 ‘Improving waste management and protecting our environment’ 1.1. Tackling significant illegal waste activity 1.2. Multi-Agency Sites of Interest 1.3 Construction and Demolition Activity 1.4 End-of Life Vehicles (ELV) & the Waste Metal sector 1.5 Waste Collection - Household & Commercial

2. National Water Priorities 2021 ‘Maintaining and Improving Water Status in all waterbodies 2.1 Undertake WFD monitoring, bathing water monitoring, and investigative monitoring 2.2 Monitor and enforce the drinking water standards in private water supplies 2.3. Undertake Farm inspections 2.4. Inspect septic tanks and other single house treatment systems in accordance with the National Inspection Plan 2.5 Monitor and enforce Section 4 licences with a focus on licensees identified as significant pressures 2.6. Engage with regional WFD committees 2.7. Address referrals from Local Authorities Waters Programme assessments including data entry into the WFD application where you have undertaken local catchment assessments 2.8. Assist with public consultation on the draft River Basin Management Plan. 2.9. Respond to water quality complaints and incidents.

3. National Air Priorities 2021 ‘Protecting public health and improve air quality’ 3.1. Build Capacity amongst Local Authorities 3.2. Promote compliance 3.3. Enforce the Solid Fuel Regulations 3.4. Support the Ambient Air Monitoring Programme 3.5. Comply with Environmental Noise Directive 3.6. Respond to Air Complaints 3.7. Respond to Noise Control Complaints 3.8. Address Air and Noise Control – Planning 3.9. Undertake Ongoing air enforcement work

New Litter Management Plan 2021-2024.

A pre-consultation exercise was commissioned by Environmental Services targeting three main groups within County Monaghan , namely Tidy Towns, Public Participation Network (PPN) and Comhairle na nOg. The purpose of this pre-consultation was to gain insight into the opinions of participating groups on the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing Litter Management Plan and to determine what these groups would like included in the new Litter Management Plan 2021-2024.

Owing to COVID-19 restrictions, all three workshops and consultations were carried out online during December and January. The online workshop tool “Mural” was used at the Tidy Towns consultation event allowing participants to interactively post their contributions and ideas.

For Comhairle na nOg, a quiz on litter and waste within the county, proved highly effective and a great opening to the consultation with all participants actively engaging in discussion and participation.

A relatively high level of awareness of the exiting Litter Management Plan was reported by PPN members with ideas and suggestions also being highlighted.

The findings from these workshops will be reviewed and included in the draft which will be available for public consultation in May/June 2021.

Environmental Services would like to thank all those involved.

Litter Management Report for 2020

Litter Management continues to be a challenge for Monaghan County Council. Below is a snapshot of some of the activities carried out in 2020 by the Council.

Total net spend on litter related activities in County Monaghan in 2020 was € 1.017,755 (includes litter warden, admin payroll and costs, spring clean, litter awareness and street scavenging). Total spend on street cleansing in 2020 was €758,754 which was a slight increase on 2019 spend (€749,995) In addition to the above spend a further €109,784 was received under the Anti-Dumping initiative 2020. Projects funded included: - Clean up of large-scale illegal dumping sites - Preventative and abatement projects - Subsidised bulky good disposal at Scotch Corner and Carrickmacross Recycling Centres.

Use of CCTV as a deterrent to litter continued with intensive monitoring of bottle banks during the year. €200 on the spot litter fines were issued in 2020, 147 of which were paid. This reflects having good CCTV evidence with the fines. Environmental Services has also started issuing warning letters for minor breaches of the Litter Pollution Act instead of fines. Environmental Services investigated 376 waste and litter related complaints during 2020. This was a reduction of 14% on 2019. Therefore, despite some media commentary there was a decrease in illegal dumping in County Monaghan during the year. The Environmental Patrol Warden completed 228 litter surveys as part of the National Litter Monitoring Programme. These surveys are required for NOAC indicator E3: % LA area within the 5 levels of litter pollution.

Spring 2021: Page 23 Spring Clean 2021

Registration for Spring Clean 2021 is now open.

If you or your group would like to register and receive a complementary pack, please register with An Taisce at www.nationalspringclean.org.

Each year. Spring Clean is held for the month of April and Monaghan County Council Environmental Services provide supports including skips, litter pickers and bags to volunteers to take part, in line with Government advice.

Cllr. Colm Carthy, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, added:

‘Every year the people of County Monaghan, individuals, families or resident groups, take part in the annual Spring Clean and tonnes of litter are collected.

‘This year, with restrictions still in place, we’re asking people to help tidy up our communities and to do so in a safe way. If you register your details with An Taisce you will receive a free pack that will help you in your clean-up. Whether you live in a rural area or in a housing development in an urban centre, you can make a huge difference and have fun at the same time. I have been involved with a number of Spring Clean initiatives over the last few years and they are so rewarding and surprisingly enjoyable.

Monaghan County Council’s Environment Section have always been a great support to groups and individuals who want to help keep our county beautiful, on behalf of us all, I want to thank them for their continued hard work in this area.’

Egg-cellent Easter Arts and Crafts Using Waste Products

As a welcome back to primary schools, Climate Action and Environmental Services have commissioned a half hour video Easter Craft workshop, for use in classrooms, showing how to make Easter crafts using waste items that are found in the home.

This Easter Craft Workshop for children includes a variety of Easter-themed arts & crafts and games, from nature collages, making bunnies and chicks from waste materials to the egg detective game.

This video will be circulated to all primary schools within the county and will also be available on www.monaghan.ie.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Pollinator Friendly Planting Webinar

A pollinator friendly planting webinar took place on Tuesday 23rd March 2021 with Dr. Fiona MacGowan, Consultant Ecologist, Botanist and National Tidy Towns Adjudicator.

This online event was open to Tidy Towns committees, sports clubs, voluntary groups, schools and individuals interested in learning how to use pollinator plants in their gardens and the benefits of having biodiversity planting.

CLIMATE ACTION

Drone picture above: Pictured above: Signage at Loch Mor Pictured Above: Bannerbane, Stranooden, Derryvalley (Michael Deery's Farm). Showing smart buffers Estate, Ballybay, informing the public on (Leslie Waddle Farm), Stranooden Group Water marching Dromore river, with depth of buffer increasing at critical the hazards of pesticides to the aquatic Scheme Free Weed Wiping Service available in areas. environment (22 signs in catchment). the catchment to farmers to help control rush.

Spring 2021: Page 24 Climate Action Efficiency in Housing Projects

The newly revised 2021 Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme is the first year of a ten year programme which is expected to grow to meet the Programme for Government national retrofit commitment to upgrade at least 500,000 homes to a B2 energy rating by 2030. The new programme sees a significant upscaling (from ‘shallow’ to ‘deep retrofit’) on what has been completed by local authorities to date and will target 2,400 social homes nationally for upgrade works in 2021.

Monaghan County Council is committed to providing energy efficient housing. In 2021, Monaghan County Council has an Energy Efficiency allocation of €406,933 to carry out deep retrofit works to 15 existing properties. Monaghan County Council will carry out Energy Efficiency upgrade work to some additional properties with Building Energy Ratings below B2 that become vacant during 2021 and is examining other properties that potentially meet the criteria of the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme.

The revised Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme provides for a significant upscaling in the level of funding to an average cost of approximately €27,000 per property and focuses on ensuring that the fabric of the home is upgraded and an energy efficient heating system is provided.

New windows and door in Older Persons Dwelling in Ballybay New energy efficient heat pump at Older Persons Dwelling in Ballybay

New internal insulation and new radiators in Older Persons Dwelling in New internal insulation and new radiators in Older Persons Dwelling in Ballybay Ballybay

Pollinator Bulb Planting

Further Pollinator Bulb Planting with a mixture of wild flowers, took place in various locations within Monaghan at Ballybay/Cootehill Road junction and at Monaghan Shopping Centre.

Spring 2021: Page 25 MONAGHAN FIRE AND CIVIL PROTECTION Operations:

Monaghan Fire & Civil Protection will take ownership of 1 x Class B fire engine at the end of Q1. This new fire appliance will replace the current fire appliance located in Ballybay enabling its crew to be even more efficient when responding to emergency incidents from house fires, road traffic accidents and hazardous material incidents.

This new model is built on a Scania P320 chassis and is equipped with the latest technology and design features to meet a modern fire service. Its specifications will include: flow meters to ensure that firefighters can tackle fires in a safer and more effective manner; CAFS suppression system to allow for an efficient extinguishment of Class A fires; a larger crew cab which will provide improved safety and comfort for firefighters; extra reflective markings which will improve visibility for other road users in low light; extra ‘repeater’ lights on the appliance to make driving through town traffic easier; and EURO VI engine, which further reduces emission levels compared to the previous model.

In addition, Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection will be upgrading its' current water tanker to a newer chassis. The new model will be built on a Volvo FL250 chassis and is expected to be completed early Q2, 2021. The recent investment by Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that Monaghan County Council has a modern Green and safe fleet to best serve the interest of the public.

Two appliances in build: March 2021

Fire appliance for Ballybay New chassis for Monaghan Tanker

Capital Programme 2021 – 2025

A Fire Service Capital Programme worth approximately €61m was announced by Minister Darragh O'Brien from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in early 2021.

Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection have benefited from this announcement with the allocation of funding for the construction of 1 x new station and a delivery of 1 x new class B fire engine over the next 4 years.

Fire Preventions: BFireSafe@School

Monaghan Fire & Civil Protection has commenced the roll out of an Erasmus+ Project called BFireSafe@School which is the first harmonised fire safety education programme developed for post primary schools throughout Europe. The programme was successfully piloted in a number of schools throughout Ireland and here in County Monaghan by The Patrician High School in Carrickmacross. The content of the programme is suitable for pupils in post primary schools aged 12 – 18 and includes an Augmented Reality app, science experiments, videos on evacuation and information on careers in fire. Presently 4 additional schools in County Monaghan hope to roll out the course during the 2021/2022 academic year.

This newly developed teacher led fire safety education resource is interesting, fun and enjoyable for both teacher and students. Student wellbeing and personal safety has been placed at the centre of the learning objectives. The programme resource aims to ensure students learn the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to keep themselves and others safe from fire.

The following learning module units are included within the BFireSafe@School programme: Unit 1 - Managing Myself - the Safe Person Concept Unit 2 - Fire Science Unit 3 - Fire Safety Indicators Unit 4 - Case Studies Unit 5 - Calling the emergency services Unit 6 - Fire Safety in the Home Unit 7 - Fire Safety In School Unit 8 - Fire Safety in your Environment Unit 9 - Emergency Action Plans Unit 10 - Careers in Fire

Spring 2021: Page 26 Monaghan Civil Defence Activity

Since the start of 2021 Monaghan Civil Defence was not found wanting as its members played an important role in supporting the Principal Response Agencies in a variety of ways from transporting patients to COVID-19 Test Centre, assisting the Irish Blood Transfusion Service at local clinics, transporting patients to medical appointments in Monaghan, Dublin, Drogheda & Navan hospitals and also during the recent severe weather event providing transport assistance to HSE medical staff, and also to local meals on wheels.

COVID-19 has resulted in the longest and most extensive deployment of Monaghan Civil Defence members in the organisations history. Since the start of 2021 there have been 51 individual tasks allocated through the Community Response Forum helpline, with a total of 167 volunteer hours to complete these tasks.

The volunteers were supported by a fleet of 4 four wheel drive jeeps, 3 ambulances, 2 minibuses & 1 operational support vehicle. Monaghan Civil Defence members look forward to a gradual return to normal life with the resumption of many of the community and sporting events in 2021. Volunteers have missed their regular training events and the significant social aspect that is so important in the Civil Defence Organisation.

Civil Defence Volunteers at New Civil Defence Headquarters Civil Defence Volunteer during the recent cold weather February 2021

Civil Defence Volunteers on Transportation duty Civil Defence Volunteers assisting the Irish Blood January 2021 Transfusion Service

Building Regulation Update

Amendments have been announced recently to Technical Guidance Document C - Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture.

The main provisions of the amendment to Technical Guidance Document C - Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture includes:

·Reference to the latest version of ‘S.R.21:2014 + A1:2016 Guidance on the use of I.S. EN 13242:2002 +A1:2007

-Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil engineering work and road construction’, and

·A revision to the national reference level for indoor radon concentrations in workplaces to an annual average activity concentration in air of 300 Bq/m3, which was implemented by the ‘Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Regulations, 2019, S.I. No. 30 of 2019’.

Spring 2021: Page 27 Building Control Activity

Building Control Advice Note:

In January 2021 Monaghan Building Control issued an Advice Note to construction product manufacturers within Monaghan regarding the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) requirements post Brexit.

The advice informed that when certain construction products are placed on the EU market, the manufacturer must produce a ‘declaration of performance’ and place a ‘CE’ marking on the product. Third parties called ‘notified bodies’ (who must be registered in an EU country) perform assessments of products and provide ‘certificates of conformity’.

This is to ensure that reliable performance-related data is made available at all time by means of Declarations of Performance. The primary purpose of the CPR is to remove technical barriers to ensure the free movement of construction products across Member States within the European Union.

The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, which forms part of the Withdrawal Agreement between the EU and the UK came into effect on 01 January 2021. As a result, certain EU rules, in particular those in respect of goods, will continue to apply in Northern Ireland.

The EU Commission has published a range of notices including guidance on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland where relevant, and the UK Government has also published useful guidance on implementation of the Protocol.

Here are some of the implications of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in relation to the Construction Product Regulation that may be relevant:

·Construction products placed on the market in Northern Ireland have to comply with applicable EU state legislation

·A construction product manufactured in Northern Ireland, certified by an EU-27 Notified Body and shipped to the EU, is not an imported product for the purpose of labelling and identification of economic operators/‘responsible persons’

·Importers, authorised representatives and other ‘responsible persons’ may be established in Northern Ireland

Further useful information can be obtained from following websites: ·https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/construction/product- regulation_en ·https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/9a771-brexit-construction- products-regulation/ ·https://www.nsai.ie/standards/sectors/construction-standards/ ·https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/de6c1-brexit-and-business/ ·https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs-traders-and- agents/brexit/index.aspx

Site Inspection January 2021

A joint inspection with the National Building Control Office (NBCO) was carried out on the 22nd of January 2021, under strict COVID-19 safety guidelines. Our Technical Staff also participated in National Meetings with the NBCO, and made presentations to the Regional Committees in February 2021.

Pictured below: Left to Right, Dermot Brannigan, Richard Butler (NBCO) & Kieran Gallagher

Housing Development, Bree, Castleblayney January 2021

Monaghan Fire & Building Control Authority Control Authority (NBCO) continued with regulatory site inspections during the period of Level 5 COVID-19 Restrictions.

Although construction activity was halted across the county since January, Building Control still carried out vital inspections for compliance with the Building Regulations for essential works, such as above in Bree Castleblayney.

Spring 2021: Page 28 WATER SERVICES Leakage Reduction 2020

Despite the existence of COVID-19 throughout the year, including the restrictions that were imposed at various times, significant progress continued to be made in driving down leakage throughout the county. It is important to acknowledge the excellent contribution made in difficult circumstances to this by all Water Services staff.

The COVID-19 Restrictions did have an impact on consumption patterns during the year. Nationally, there was a noticeable increase by 13% in domestic demand especially during the first Restrictions which also coincided with an extended period of very good weather. Non-domestic demand unsurprisingly reduced nationally by 30% during the Restrictions. The importance of having good up-to-date meter data was very much highlighted during this period to facilitate monthly distribution inflow and leakage calculations.

There were some significant real leakage savings achieved in County Monaghan throughout 2020 as a result of effective and efficient leakage reduction programmes on the ground. This was supported by having good data to aid in identifying the areas with the highest leakage levels. In 2020, 151 leaks were repaired by Monaghan County Council staff, both under Capital and Operation Leakage Programmes, with a water saving of 2682m3.

While water savings have been delivered in the county under the Leakage Reduction Programmes further savings could be considered to deliver further benefits and to ensure that the productive work undertaken up to now is continued and that further savings are achieved in 2021, by: ·reducing the amount of water lost through leakage. ·encouraging water conservation and efficiencies in everyday life.

Number of Leaks Repaired 2020 Distribution of Leak Repairs 2020

Repairs carried out by Water Services Staff

MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS MONAGHAN MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

Monaghan Town Voucher

Monaghan Town Voucher proved successful once again with sales of €844,370 during November and December. In what was and still remains a difficult time for businesses, the support locally for the town voucher was fantastic and will be a real boost to town spending when Level 5 restrictions are eased.

Redemptions during November and December totalled €118,090.

Monaghan Town Team would like to thank Monaghan County Council for their continued support of the town voucher as well as the Municipal District and Motor Tax Office for the work they undertake in relation to the Town Voucher.

We would also like to thank all the local distributors who continue to sell the town vouchers throughout the year.

Spring 2021: Page 29 BALLYBAY-CLONES MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

Clones Heritage Town initiative Rural Regeneration Development Fund

The Ballybay-Clones Municipal District was successful in receiving €103,000 from the Heritage Ballybay-Clones Municipal District prepared substantial Council for the Enhancement of the Monastic Sites of Clones. Works included the lighting up of the applications for the towns of Ballybay and Clones and were National Monuments at The Round Tower and The Wee Abbey. Works were also carried out at the successful in obtaining funding for both towns. wall of the Round Tower and to St. Tiarnachs Sarcophagus. A new pathway was created through the graveyard which will add to the overall visitor experience to the area. In Clones a Heritage project and a Fermanagh Street. The Heritage Project is at Detailed Design Stage with the Part 8 Planning adopted at the November 2020 Council Meeting.

Lighting to Cuan Mhuire

Public lighting has been provided to Cuan Mhuire and to the recycling centre under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The new public lighting will greatly enhance the area.

Town and Village Renewal – Farmers Yard:

The Municipal District of Ballybay-Clones received funding to prepare a master plan and carry out some works at the former Shortt’s Yard and Farmers yard at Lower Fermanagh St, Clones. CraftStudios were appointed for the Feasibility Study and the Design.

Works were completed towards the end 2020 creating a unique outdoor multi-functional community area.

Footpath Repairs

In October, a contractor on behalf of Ballybay-Clones Municipal District commenced a programme of works for the repair of defective footpaths in Clones Town. The total value of this works is in the region of €100,000. Works are currently ongoing.

CARRICKMACROSS-CASTLEBLAYNEY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

Carrickmacross Virtual Saint Patrick’s Parade 2021

Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District organised the annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Carrickmacross Town.

This year the parade went virtual, asking groups, bands, individuals and businesses interested in participating, to submit a video, no longer than 30 seconds, capturing their St. Patrick’s Day event and post to social media using the hashtag #CarrickmacrossParade.

The parade can be viewed on the Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/carrickmacrosschamberofcommerce/videos/507866326904037

Spring 2021: Page 30 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Mickey Kelly RIP

It was with a deep sense of shock and sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend and colleague Mickey Kelly, Monaghan County Council Dog Warden, on St. Valentine’s Day last.

Mickey first took up the position of Dog Warden on a temporary basis in 2011. He quickly demonstrated his ability in the role through his compassion for animals and his communication skills with members of the public. He developed warm relationships with everyone with whom he worked, not just Council staff but also the staff of Carrick Dog Shelter, who operate the Council Dog Pound at Lisdoonan, and the staff of Monaghan SPCA.

Mickey was employed full-time from 2014. He was a very popular member of staff, always happy to meet you, and quick with a quip or a joke.

Mickey was a very social person and enjoyed social outings with the Council Social Club, golf and Clones Photographic Society. He was very interested in politics and had a deep belief in his Catholic faith. He loved his annual pilgrimage to Medjugorge, from which he derived great pleasure and peace.

Mickey was a diligent and extremely competent worker, and his enthusiasm and communication skills made a difficult job look easy. His contribution, and his friendship, will be greatly missed by all his colleagues in the Environment Section and the wider organisation.

Our deepest sympathies are offered to his wife, Deirdre, son Luke and extended family on their great loss.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Raymond Logue RIP

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the sad passing of our colleague and friend Raymond Logue on the 11th February 2021.

Raymond joined the Council in 1997 and was very popular amongst all who worked with him. He was the life and soul of any of the gangs that he worked with. Quick witted and smart, Raymond’s work was always meticulous, and no job was too great for him.

Raymond was a keen follower of GAA especially his native county team of Fermanagh. He played for his adopted team of Aghabog as a speedy half-forward and helped them win the Dr. Ward Cup in 1992.

To his wife Edel, daughter Aoife, son Ciaran and to his 3 grandchildren we pass on our deepest sympathies.

Raymond will be sadly missed by all his colleagues in the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District and throughout the Council.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Spring 2021: Page 31