Kevin wins the Repair & Reuse Award in the Full Circle Awards !
Thanks to Kevin for all the fantastic work he has done for Tidy Towns over the years, from bee posts to forest schools, sculptures, bird nesting boxes and other projects too many to mention.
Visit his Genesis Cafe on Dublin Street to see a great example where everywhere you look you see something recycled and reused perfectly! 15 point gain and another GOLD medal for MonaghanSee last year's report below
June 8th 2026 - Another Top 5 IBAL Result for Monaghan - 2ndSee our latest reports here:
“No limit as to how far Monaghan can go in the competition” says adjudicator, as town achieves first Gold medal in 2024.
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Climate Action 2 Update - Almost €17000 for Native Hedgerows in Monaghan TownMonaghan Tidy Towns has been successful in our application for Climate Action funding to plant native hedgrows in local housing estates to replace unsustainable close-board and post and rail fencing. This grant is a natrural follow-on to our Pocket Forests project, just completed in February 2026. The grant will also allow us to relaunch our Dispered Urban Orchard project - a project that was central to our National "Lets Get Buzzing" Pollinator Award back in 2026. This project has been replicated in many towns across the country in the last ten years.
Thanks to Monaghan County Council local Climate Action Team for their support Pocket Forests - Climate Action Project for Monaghan Town
Monaghan Tidy Towns has just completed a unique new project under the Climate Action Fund. The project involves the development of eight pocket forests in residential housing estates in the town. Participating in the project are Tidy Towns volunteers, Monaghan County Council, St Josephs CE Scheme and Pocket Forests CLG led by Catherine Cleary A pocket forest is a densely planted, small-scale urban forest, mimicking the diversity and structure of a natural forest. These forests are created in urban areas and are planted with a variety of native tree and shrub species; they can enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of urban areas. carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, community engagement and mental health benefits. Soil preparation for the pocket forests began in May 2025 with planting completed by the end of the year followed 
Monaghan Tidy Towns awarded grant to engage new audiences in their region on climateMonaghan Tidy Towns is receiving funding from the Climate Actions Work Engagement fund to support their work to bring people together and share information on climate action.The grant will be used to promote the "Biodiversity Town" concept through developing, modelling and sharing an exemplar for the protection and promotion of urban biodiversity across our local network of towns and villages. The fund is focused on climate engagement, awareness and communications - helping communities to reach new audiences in their locality. It will also provide opportunities for community groups to promote their work and spread the message of community-led climate action.
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Darragh O’Brien, and Minister for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon today announced the awarding of €500,000 worth of grants nationally under the Climate Actions Work Engagement fund. The grants, ranging from €2,500 - €10,000, will be distributed to 96 community groups and organisations across 23 counties. It is estimated that 30,000 people will benefit from the activities generated through this fund with the support of over 2,000 volunteers. The fund is administered by Community Foundation Ireland which as part of its mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities has been empowering local groups, researchers and advocates to take action on climate and nature since 2000. The foundation's work in this space is informed by its 25 years' experience of partnering with 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable groups as a philanthropic hub. A network which continues to grow. Minister O’Brien said, “Our local communities are delivering great work on climate action, much of which often goes unseen. This funding will help groups in those communities raise awareness of that work and bring the climate action message to a wider audience. From workshops to events to content creation, this fund is really targeted at storytelling – helping people to tell their stories about climate action. I am very pleased to help these initiatives showcase examples the great work going on across Ireland.” Monaghan Hug a Tree Day 2026
Monaghan Hug a Tree Day returned to Rossmore Forest Park for Biodiversity week with ecologist Billy Flynn leading the tree walk and talk. Monaghan’s “Hug a Tree Day” was initiated in 2018 as one of Monaghan Tidy Towns’ Biodiversity Town actions and is now an annual event. “Hug A Tree Day was inspired by studies over the years that correlated the presence of green spaces with lower symptoms of depression and improved well-being. Basically, trees are not just good for the environment, they are good for both our physical and mental health as well. The event was held in conjunction with a Bioblitz where moth traps had been set out the previous evening and were identified with the help of moth expert Heather Bothwell. Bernie O Hanrahan added kick sampling of the local stream to identlify the creepy crawlies residing there. all helped to add record for the National Biodiversity Centre. “Bee Babies” and "Primary Pollinators" new Pollinator Projects from Monaghan Tidy Towns
Monaghan Tidy Towns' pollinator project aimed at involving children in learning about bees and pollinators from the earliest age is in its second year. The committee has assembled a pack for each childcare facility in the town containing easy to grow sunflower and nasturtium seeds, window boxes and seed trays as well as a bee hotel so that children can get involved in growing their own flowers for the bees this summer. The pack will also contain a bee soft toy and some bee themed books. The project, entitled “Bee Babies” will be offered to eight different childcare facilities across Monaghan Town over the next week. Monaghan Tidy Towns will contact each facility in advance of delivery. Monaghan Tidy Towns hopes that the children attending each childcare facility will be able to get involved in growing their own flowers and will learn a little about bees and pollinators in the process. Supplementing this programme is a similar kit for primary schools in the town - this one includes a butterfly grow kit and identifiers keys for both butterflies and bees from the National Biodiversity Centre.
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