New Monaghan chair to target anti-social issues

The formation of a committee to confront the problem of persistent anti-social behaviour in Monaghan Town is a key priority for the new Cathaoirleach of the Monaghan Municipal District.

“I intend to appoint a sub-committee to deal with the menace of anti-social behaviour so our town and public realm can be enjoyed freely by all members of the public,” stated Cllr Alan Johnston (FG) when he was unanimously appointed to the first citizen role at the MD’s Annual Meeting on Monday.

A Monaghan Town chartered accountant, Cllr Johnston was co-opted to Monaghan County Council in December 2024 to fill the vacancy created by the election of Cllr David Maxwell as a FG TD for Cavan/Monaghan. He is also the Chair of the recently established County Monaghan Community Safety Partnership.

Following his election, the new Cathaoirleach said he will be promoting Monaghan at every opportunity and is looking forward to getting out into the community and “highlighting the good and the great in our part of the county”.

As well as curbing anti-social behaviour in the town centre, Cllr Johnston has the goal of seeing plans for a new Monaghan link road advance during his term in order to deal with the major traffic congestion problems afflicting the Clones Road area.

“Our area also needs the development of as much public and private housing as possible as this is the only way we are going to get rents down,” he told the meeting.

“I want to see the progression of public amenities such as the heritage and regeneration project at the former St Louis Convent lands, which has the potential to be the jewel in the crown for Monaghan Town and I will assist all I can in progressing funding applications for the various components of the development.”

In proposing his colleague, Cllr Clerkin said he will bring sturdy leadership to the Chair and will approach his duties with a balanced view, hard work, and fairness and integrity. “Alan cares deeply for his community and it totally committed to achieving the best outcome for everyone he represents,” Cllr Clerkin added.

Seconding, Cllr Aughey described Cllr Johnston as a great community man who possesses the important characteristic of “cop-on”, which Cllr Aughey believes is “a scarce commodity” nowadays.

The MD elected Cllr Niamh McCooey (SF) to the vice-chair or Leas Cathaoirleach position. Cllr McCooey was co-opted to Monaghan County Council on the same occasion in December 2024 as Cllr Johnston, following the election of Cllr Cathy Bennett (SF) to the Dáil.

Her proposer Cllr Seán Conlon (SF) praised Cllr McCooey’s contribution to the local authority. Seconder Cllr Bronagh McAree (SF) agreed her colleague is well able for the role, extolling her qualities as a councillor, mother and community activist.

Cllr McCooey said it will be an honour to work alongside Cllr Johnston.

VALUE OF LOCAL PRESS

Cllr Seamus Treanor (Ind) vacated the MD Chair with words of commendation for the regional media – and a call on the Government to divert funding from RTÉ to ensure the survival of local newspapers.

Reflecting on his term of office, the outgoing Cathaoirleach bemoaned the closure in December of County Monaghan newspaper the Northern Standard, describing it as a massive loss to the community.

“I call on the Government to take some of the €750 million it gives to RTÉ annually to push out propaganda and give it to local newspapers to ensure their survival and to get young people interested in local democracy and support a means of preserving our local history.”

Stating that he has probably served his last term in the MD Chair, the veteran Independent highlighted the need for significant additional Government investment in local roads and condemned intimidatory tactics he claimed are being used by the representatives of “vulture funds” against people in the local area struggling to make mortgage repayments.

But Cllr Treanor concluded his remarks with notes of positivity and pride, referring to the rich natural beauty and amenity riches to be found across the MD area in locations such as the Rock Bog, Sliabh Beagh, Emy Lough, the hinterland of Ballinode and Scotstown, and Rossmore Forest Park.

Monaghan is the country’s second tidiest town, he noted, and will shortly host the most successful country music festival in Ireland.