Drumbear Estate on the Cooethill Road outside of Monaghan Town has been taken in charge by Monaghan County Council. Cllr Clerkin outlined how the residents association made an application to Monaghan County Council and after a lengthy process and the go-ahead from Uisce Eireann, the local authority will now maintain the estate into the future. The Monaghan County Council Planning Authority has recommended to take in charge the roads, footpaths, public lighting and storm water services. According to Fine Gael's Pauric Clerkin, for many years, residents have been "crying out" for people to come and volunteer on the residence committee. While welcoming the development, Cllr Clerkin said it was "disappointing" to see the lack of people wanting to volunteer for the residents association. As a result, Cllr Clerkin said he is looking into how the local authority can do more to support volunteers.
The following statement has been issued by Monaghan County Council; Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) states that when a development has been completed to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority, and in accordance with the planning permission and any conditions, the Planning Authority shall initiate proceedings under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 to take a development in charge, when requested to do so by the developer or by a majority of the owners within a development. This summary report is presented further to the public notice dated 04th October 2024 which provided notification that the Council intended to take in charge the roads, footpaths, public lighting, storm water services and open space(s) within a section of Drumbear Wood, Monaghan Town.
Overiew: The subject section of Drumbear Wood relates to a development of 17 houses permitted under P.A. Ref. No. 17/310 (An Bord Pleanála Ref No. ABP-301119-18). The dwellings are located within the overall housing development known as Drumbear Wood. The remainder of the overall estate was previously taken in charge in 2014. Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) allows the planning authority to take in charge “some or all” of a development. This taking in charge application relates to 17 dwelling units and associated public spaces and infrastructure / services (refer to map overleaf). There are no public open spaces (e.g. grassed / play areas) forming part of this application.
Assessment: Inspections have been carried out by the relevant sections of Monaghan County and they are satisfied that the development has been completed to required standards. Uisce Eireann have issued a certificate of conformance with respect to water services.
