Minister officially opens new Ballybay Fire Station

Several housing projects in county also visited

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, visited County Monaghan on Friday, viewing key housing developments in Monaghan Town and Carrickmacross and officially opening the new Ballybay Fire Station.

Monaghan County Council has exceeded national social housing targets, delivering 431 homes between 2022 and 2025—144% of its allocation.

The Minister toured several developments, including at Slí na Coille, Monaghan Town, where 21 new social homes are complete and ready for occupation.

He also visited Slí Lorcáin, Phase 1 (22 homes) which is complete, with Phase 2 (29 homes) on track for Q3 2026, bringing the total to 51 homes; and in Carrickmacross, the Sean Ghardíní Affordable Purchase Scheme. It includes 10 homes, with strong demand—39 applications received.

Chief Executive Robert Burns said Friday's visit highlights the real and tangible progress being made in housing delivery across County Monaghan. "From building homes on Council lands, to turnkey developments and providing affordable homes to buy or to rent, we are committed to ensuring that individuals and families have access to modern, energy-efficient homes in vibrant communities. The projects visited today demonstrate what can be achieved through strong collaboration and sustained investment.”

He added: “From large-scale social housing developments to innovative affordable purchase schemes, our teams are working relentlessly to ensure that County Monaghan plays its part in meeting local housing need and addressing the national housing challenge. The developments visited today demonstrate our ability to deliver quality homes, on schedule, and in line with national policy.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr PJ O’Hanlon noted that housing remains one of the most important issues for our county, and it is encouraging to see these developments advancing at pace. "The completion of homes in Monaghan Town and the new affordable purchase options in Carrickmacross will make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. We look forward to welcoming new residents into these communities in the months ahead.”

Minister Browne meanwhile stated: “Monaghan County Council is delivering supports for home ownership and housing options through a range of schemes to meet the needs of the people in this community, as I have seen through the high-quality developments here today.

“I know more needs to be done, so it is encouraging that there is also a strong pipeline of new homes of different tenure types here in Monaghan.

“But we are building communities, not just homes, so the right infrastructure and local facilities are essential to complement new housing.”

Ballybay Fire Station Opening

Minister Browne also officially opened the new Ballybay Fire Station, a major investment in emergency response for the area.

The facility enhances Monaghan Fire & Civil Protection’s capacity across its five-station network of 63 firefighters, including 12 in Ballybay. Located centrally, it strengthens coverage across a large rural area.

The station includes modern operational, training and support facilities, including space for two fire appliances, training rooms and an external drill yard.

Opening the station, Minister Browne said: “The new fire station officially opened here in Ballybay today is an excellent example of expanding the infrastructure needs and capacity of Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection services.

“This purpose built, state-of-the-art fire station, achieved through my Department’s Fire Services Capital Programme will allow for the continued support of the vital work of the fire station across the large rural area.”

Cathaoirleach PJ O’Hanlon called it “a very proud day for the people of Ballybay,” while Chief Executive Robert Burns and Chief Fire Officer Dermot Brannigan highlighted its strategic importance and paid tribute to all involved in the project.

Station Officer Niall Quinn said the new facility will serve the community for generations.

Together, the housing delivery and new fire station underline Monaghan County Council’s continued focus on building strong, resilient communities.