"We don't need to employ another person to tell us what is wrong with Monaghan Town."
That's according to one local councillor regarding the recruitment of a "Town Regeneration Officer" as part of the "Town Centre First" policy.
The Town Centre First policy that was launched at the beginning of the month aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work, and visit.
A network of Town Regeneration Officers will oversee the on-going roll-out of the policy and bring a co-ordinated approach to its delivery.
At a recent Monaghan MD meeting, Raymond Aughey asked when work would begin on this policy and when the council intended to recruit the Town Regeneration Officer.
Meanwhile, Brian McKenna enquired about how the role would be funded.
Director of Services, John Murray, said the Council hasn't been allocated a budget and is awaiting further detail on the number of positions and how they will be funded.
Councillor Seamus Treanor argued that "we do not need to employ another person to tell us what is wrong with the town", but Brian McKenna said the Town Regeneration Officer would "seek out funding and push things ahead".
Elsewhere, councillor Sean Conlon asked for an update on a Mill Street property that the council acquired using its compulsory purchase powers under the Derelict Sites Act.
John Murray said there is "no definite use for Mill Street" but that "there will be some word in the next few months".
Brian McKenna said he was "sick of looking at derelict properties" and added that penalties should be introduced for people who "sit on houses and let them turn derelict".
