Local councillor Sinead Flynn has welcomed the selection of Smithboro as the first village in the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District to progress under Monaghan County Council’s Tier 4 Village Development Plan programme.
The initiative will deliver a comprehensive, long-term development plan for Smithboro, taking a holistic approach to the village by examining community facilities, recreational amenities, protected structures, existing infrastructure, road safety, accessibility and the overall spatial layout. The completed plan will identify opportunities for enhancement and establish a clear vision for the future development of the village.
Councillor Flynn said the announcement marks a significant milestone for Smithboro and reflects the commitment to ensuring rural communities have a clear framework for sustainable growth.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the Sinn Fein representative said: "I am delighted that Smithboro has been selected as the first village in the Ballybay-Clones Municipal District to benefit from this important initiative.
"This is a major opportunity to develop a long-term vision for the village that builds on its strengths while identifying the improvements needed to support future growth and enhance the quality of life for local people.
"The Village Development Plan will consider the village as a whole, identifying existing assets, highlighting areas for improvement and setting out priorities for future investment. One Village Development Plan will be completed each year in every Municipal District, with the next village in the Ballybay-Clones MD to be selected once the Smithboro plan has been completed."
Cllr Flynn emphasised the importance of community participation throughout the process: "The success of this plan depends on the people of Smithboro. Residents, community organisations, local businesses and everyone with an interest in the future of the village have valuable knowledge and ideas to contribute. I would strongly encourage everyone to attend the public consultation meeting and help shape the future direction of their community.
"A public consultation meeting will take place on Tuesday, 30 June at 7.00pm in Smithboro Community Hall, where consultants will present the project and invite feedback from the local community. This is a real opportunity for local people to influence the future development of Smithboro. I encourage everyone to come along, hear about the proposals and have their say."
