How Monaghan integrated is shaping the county's future

Celebrating 30 years this September, Monaghan Integrated Development (MID) continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening communities, supporting local enterprise, and creating opportunities for people across County Monaghan. Through its commitment to integrated, community-led development, MID delivers practical, “bottom-up” solutions that tackle unemployment, social exclusion, and rural disadvantage while helping to build a more inclusive and prosperous county.

In 2025, MID invested €2.9M directly into County Monaghan, ensuring that vital resources reached local communities and those who need them most. Guided by a vision of a vibrant county where every resident can thrive and feel a sense of belonging, MID remains dedicated to creating lasting positive change.

Helping individuals realise their full potential remains at the heart of MID’s work. During 2025, the organisation provided personalised one-to-one support to 2,399 individuals through programmes such as the Local Area Employment Service (LAES) and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

These supports delivered tangible results, with 166 people progressing into employment or self-employment and a further 1,246 individuals engaging in education, training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

RuralRevive

MID also launched RuralRevive, an innovative EU-funded initiative designed to support people, aged 45 years and over, who have experienced long-term unemployment. The programme aims to help participants regain confidence, develop new skills, and secure sustainable employment in a changing labour market.

MID continues to serve as a key partner for both community organisations and local businesses. In 2025, the organisation supported 220 community and voluntary groups and assisted 123 businesses, including start-ups, social enterprises, and growing local enterprises.

The county’s LEADER Programme gathered significant momentum, with significant budget already allocated to local development initiatives. These investments are helping to drive rural innovation, improve community facilities, and create new economic opportunities and valuable jobs throughout Monaghan. LEADER is an important funding source for our rural areas and future funding must be protected by the European Union and the Irish Government in future budgets.

Meanwhile, participants on the Tús and Rural Social Scheme programmes contributed an impressive 137,904 hours of work to local charities, community organisations, and voluntary groups. Their efforts have helped maintain community facilities, enhance public amenities, and improve the quality of life for residents across the county.

MID’s commitment to improving rural life extends beyond employment and enterprise. Through the work of the Rural Recreation Officer, significant progress is being made on the enhancement of the Monaghan Way, one of the county’s most valuable recreational assets. Participation in the Walks Scheme is also set to double, increasing to 18 landholders and supporting the continued development of rural trail infrastructure.

Supporting older and more vulnerable residents remains another key priority. The organisation also supported a Meals on Wheels service in the Carrickmacross area, which delivered 4,888 meals to people requiring assistance.

Recognising the importance of social inclusion and community cohesion, MID introduced the Community Connections Project in Cavan and Monaghan, which supports communities in welcoming new arrivals and developing positive, constructive responses to population change.

Volunteering continues to be one of Monaghan’s greatest strengths, with one of the highest levels of volunteering in Ireland. MID’s Volunteer Centre plays a crucial role in connecting people with meaningful opportunities to contribute to their communities.

In 2025, the centre registered 321 new volunteers and facilitated 272 volunteer placements, strengthening community organisations and supporting important local services throughout the county.

MID was also proud to celebrate the achievements of Linda Moore and Gerry Atkinson, whose national volunteer awards recognised the extraordinary contribution that volunteers make to community life in Monaghan.

As MID moves into 2026, its focus remains firmly on building a resilient, inclusive and enterprising Monaghan. Whether supporting a new business venture, helping a jobseeker find employment, investing in community development, or maintaining the county’s beautiful walking trails, MID continues to make a real and positive difference in the lives of people across County Monaghan.

Through partnership, innovation and community engagement, Monaghan Integrated Development is helping to shape a stronger future for everyone who calls Monaghan home.