The Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council has raised concerns about "balance" of housing funding across Co. Monaghan.
Cllr. PJ O’Hanlon welcomed the council’s Capital Programme for 2026 to 2028, which was revealed yesterday.
The programme will see €468 million invested in over 140 capital projects across Monaghan over the next three years.
However, Cllr. O’Hanlon raised concerns about the “balance” of how money is being allocated.
The bulk of the projects will go into housing, with almost €249 million going towards developments across the county in the next three years.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the Carrickmacross Cllr. claimed that there is “just short of €130 million” allocated for Monaghan town.
He said it is vitally important that there is a “fair and equal balance” across the county.
Cllr. O'Hanlon said: "I had my concerns in relation to the balance of the funding, with just short of €130 million coming into Monaghan town.
"The figure I read on the page was €5 million coming to Carrickmacross, it was clarified to be told it was €20 million. That €15 million [balance], I've queries on that.
"They've said to me that there are other projects, but they weren't on that sheet yesterday, I'm hoping that it will be updated.
"I think it's vitally important that there is a fair and equal balance throughout the county," Cllr. O'Hanlon explained.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael councillor for Ballybay – Clones MD, Seán Gilliland said that the projects in the programme will be delivered, and are not a “wish list.”
However, Cllr. Gilliland said that he was “disappointed” by the housing figures for his district.
Speaking to Northern Sound, said he was “annoyed” by the situation.
The councillor said: "I was disappointed by the housing figures for Ballybay and Clones. In fact, while there are some in Clones, there was no housing programme for Ballybay.
"I was really annoyed about, voiced my concern, and urged the council to get proactive about Ballybay.
"Percentage wise they told us that per population there was sufficient housing for it, but that's not the case. I argued that at the meeting, and I got a commitment from the [Chief Executive, Robert Burns] that they will revisit that," Cllr. Gilliland added.
Sinn Féin Cllr. for Monaghan, Niamh McCooey also gave her opinion on the allocation of funding.
Speaking to Northern Sound, she said: "Look, I can't disagree with my colleagues in either the Clones- Ballybay or the Carrickmacross - Castleblayney MDs.
"When you do look at the figures, the majority of the funding is going to Monaghan, and to the Monaghan MD. So I can't argue with them at all.
"We are all elected by the people of our constituencies, and they have very valid arguments," Cllr. McCooey added.
