€200K for new walkway in Mullan

Almost €200,000 is to be spent developing a new walkway in the North Monaghan village of Mullan, it was stated at the February meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District.

The picturesque settlement was a thriving centre of milling and small industry for many years but suffered a severe population decline in the 1980s and 1990s due to the closure of its sources of employment and the adverse impact of its proximity to the Border, leading to its being dubbed Monaghan’s “deserted village”.

In recent times Mullan has undergone a regeneration in population, craft activity and community development.

Co-ordinator Martin Taylor reported to the February MD meeting that funding of €199,653 has been secured for the walkway project, which will be overseen by Mullan’s Tidy Towns and community development organisations with assistance from Monaghan County Council.

Mr Taylor said a walking trail will be developed both along and off the road, together with a raised table crossing point in the village.

An additional section of footpath and an extra crossing point are also being proposed.

The funding news received a general welcome from the elected members, with Cllr Bronagh McAree (SF) hailing it as “brilliant news for Mullan village”.