DUBLIN STREET REGENERATION SCHEME

Detailed designs for the proposed Dublin Street North Regeneration scheme were presented to elected members of the Monaghan Municipal District this week. Cathal Flynn, Director of Services at Monaghan County Council, introduced consultants Ken O’Sullivan and Ben Palmer to present the latest plans to Monaghan MD Councillors on Monday. The regeneration project envisages a major rejuvenation of Dublin Street with an aim “to restore vibrancy to that area of Monaghan town” and “create a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly space and address anti-social behaviour”.

The project would include the proposed Civic Offices, potential commercial/residential premises to be taken forward by a third-party investor, a tiered garden and water feature and a tidying-up of alleyways adjoining Dublin Street. The process has been ongoing since June 2023, including consultations with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and direct engagement with property owners.

The preparation of the planning pack is expected to be completed either next month or in January 2025, ahead of being progressed to An Bord Pleanála. Independent Councillor Séamus Treanor queried the potential for new commercial premises as part of the regeneration plan, given the difficulties already faced by businesses trading in the town. Cllr. Treanor also expressed concerns over the amount of money being spent on consultants on projects such as this, given the slow progress of development.

Councillor Ramond Aughey (Fianna Fáil) queried the expected timeframe involved, given that the Dublin Street South scheme has been with An Bord Pleanála for approximately two years. Monaghan County Council Senior Planner Adrian Hughes noted: “It appears at this stage that this project is much less contentious than Dublin Street South … so we would be optimistic that there won’t be the same level of objection. In respect of Dublin Street South, as Séamus has correctly said, money has been..