Articles in the General News Category

Two flagship public projects in Monaghan Town have taken major national accolades for their architectural excellence. The Monaghan Peace Campus Project and the refurbishment of the Church Square public realm space were honoured at the annual awards of the RIAI or Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland. Designed by Hall Black Douglas Architects, the Monaghan Peace Campus won the Universal Design Award supported by the Centre for Excellence for Universal Design at the National Disability Authority. It was also honoured with the Public Buildings Award. Said the judges: “Combining a ...

PETER HUGHES The landmark building in Clones that was formerly the Lennard Arms Hotel had its potentially bright new future as the hub for a new heritage tourism initiative outlined to the members of the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District on Monday. Marc Roosli and Frank Cooney from consultants Mirador Media outlined the concept of a Freedom of Clones visitor experience, with “where Ireland’s ancient heart still beats” as a suggested tagline. The Lennard Arms building would become the hub from which visitors could explore the 1,500 years of history possessed by the ...

PETER HUGHES The average waiting time for a driving test in Co Monaghan was now approximately seven months, Fianna Fáil local public representative Seamus Coyle told Monday’s meeting of the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District. Councillor Coyle was moving a notice of motion which called on Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister of State for Transport Sean Canney TD and the Government to introduce immediate measures to expedite the delivery of tests. He called for the immediate appointment of additional testers and an increase in the number of test centres, “as ...

By Veronica Corr Catherine Flood, who hails from the locality will return from New York this weekend to run her 20th marathon for Errigal Truagh Special Needs on Sunday, 22nd of June. This will be a solo run, although supporters may join her for some of it. Catherine’s run is dedicated to her sister Eileen and her friends in the aforementioned service. Although she loves America, Catherine never forgot where she came from, and she looks forward to rediscovering the beauty of the local countryside of the parish she is ...

A man was arrested and a large quantity of suspected cannabis seized in a raid by Gardaí on a premises in Ballybay on Friday June 13 last. The search under warrant of the residence was carried out as part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity. Gardaí attached to the Monaghan Drugs Unit seized cannabis herb with an estimated value exceeding €90,000, analysis of which is pending. They also recovered a quantity of cash and several electronic devices. A man ...

PETER HUGHES Renewed concern about the lack of legislative controls over the use of e-scooters and e-bikes emerged at Monday’s meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District which heard claims that the actions of an e-scooter user had been a contributory factor in a weekend road traffic collision in Monaghan Town which left a young conventional cyclist with injuries. The issue was raised by Sinn Féin’s Seán Conlon who recalled that, at a recent in-committee meeting between the MD and local Garda representatives led by Superintendent Pat O’Connell, the need had ...

PETER HUGHES Concerns among North Monaghan parents about the widespread use of marijuana by young people were brought before Monday’s meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District by Sinn Féin local public representative Bronagh McAree. The meeting agreed to her proposal to write to Justice Minister Helen McEntee TD seeking the introduction of educational resources for schools on drug dangers – Councillor McAree felt young people should be informed about the issue, not criminalised. Commending the Gardaí on the efforts they were making to deal with drug issues locally, Councillor McAree ...

By Veronica Corr Mandy Kelly, originally from Monaghan and currently residing in Dundalk, has been engaged in a three-year international struggle to reclaim her two children, Zahn and Kareem, from her estranged husband. The ordeal began when her husband unexpectedly ended their marriage while the family were on holiday in Egypt, subsequently keeping the children in the country against her wishes. Mandy’s ex-mother-in-law is seeking custody of the boys, and after losing her initial attempt, is currently appealing the decision. Mandy, who works in education, is anxiously awaiting the outcome ...

The monthly meeting of Monaghan Co Council saw Part VIII planning approval granted for the change of use of the former St Louis Chapel and Nursing Home buildings at the Convent Lands in Monaghan Town to community buildings. After a presentation on the proposals for the development of the former St Louis property which has been acquired by the local authority, Fine Gael councillor Alan Johnston acknowledged the contribution of the St Louis Sisters to Monaghan through the provision of education services since the 1850s. He said the acquisition of ...

Airline Ryanair found itself the object of much criticism and outrage this week when it emerged that they had refused to allow 13- year-old Monaghan teenager Dáire Gorman to bring his power wheelchair with him on a flight to Liverpool. Dáire was born with the extremely rare Crommelin syndrome which has left him without arms or femur bones in his legs. In recent times he has become a well-known public figure following the viral internet impact of a video showing his emotional reaction to his first visit to Anfield to ...