Local government chiefs have launched efforts to revitalise towns in the county over the coming years to support long-term socio-economic development.
These plans have now been significantly strengthened with a funding injection of nearly €200,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), an EU-centred fund set up to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion across the EU's 27 member states.
Council bosses said in a statement that the investment would help deliver the next stage of the council's own ambitious plans.
“Monaghan County Council is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant of €199,341 from the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027,” it said in a statement.
“This significant funding will assist in developing the Town of Monaghan’s urban plan, carrying out public engagement and identifying and developing proposals for the many historic buildings within the town.”
“The aim of this initiative is to breathe new life into Monaghan town and ensure it can act as a sustainable and vibrant centre for the local community.”
Local government officials, who are developing several proposals of their own, said the project would be an opportunity for the public to have input into the creation of the site plan, select suitable projects for development and identify sustainable and viable end uses for underused historic buildings in the town center.
Council leaders say the development of the plan will provide a means to secure further capital funding for the refurbishment and reuse of publicly owned historic buildings.
“We would like to thank the North and West Regional Council, the managing authority for the ERDF North and West Regional Programme 2021-2027, for their support in delivering this grant,” said the council's chief executive officer, Robert Burns.
“This will enable us to work collaboratively with the community in the development of Monaghan town, creating attractive, inviting spaces that meet the needs of both residents and visitors.”
Mr Burns said the announcement was a further statement of the council's intention to improve civic and economic life in the county, which is still digesting the opening of the €22 million state-of-the-art Peace Campus.
The four-storey community building, which has been built over a period of four years in the centre of Monaghan, will provide a cultural heritage centre, youth facilities and shared community space for people in the border area.
Outgoing local government leader Councillor David Maxwell, who was re-elected to the city council last weekend, said the forward-looking plans in place for Monaghan were particularly exciting.
“Monaghan County Council is committed to improving all towns in the county,” he said.
“The development of Monaghan’s City Plan will be an opportunity to agree a common way forward, with concrete projects being delivered.
“The development of the plan will also enable us to secure future funding for capital projects similar to the already highly successful Peace Campus, which will increase the attractiveness of the town centre.”
