51. Samantha LeslieSubmission to Development Plan 2025-31
Name of person/body submission is being made by, or on behalf of
Samantha Leslie
Today, we are more aware than ever of the negative impacts of climate change on our
planet. From the rapid biodiversity loss, poor air quality, significant soil degradation and
largescale carbon generation. The County Development Plan 2025-31 presents a unique
chance for to address issues, both directly and indirectly. It allows us an opportunity to
pioneer new solutions and potential remedies which can provide a blueprint and possible
roadmap for others to follow and be inspired by.
Climate Justice, we need to do our bit. Nationally we produce more than 61.53 million
tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2021. This more than 12.4 per capita. Norway and Slovakia,
which have a similar population to Ireland and comparable climates, produce 7.7 and 6.5
tonnes per capita respectively.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic there is an increased awareness of mental health, our
understanding of well-being and neurodiversity. There is a real need to provide services,
supports, outlets and resources for those with these challenges.
There are more than twice as many border crossings in Co Monaghan than between Norway
and Sweden, although, officials have suggested that it is “almost impossible” to count them.
The ongoing and long-term implications of Brexit are still being addressed by politicians and,
in time, there will be considerations and significant implications for those living in the
border. The creation of the peace campus is a first step in renewing our focus on peace in
the area, however, there are many more opportunities to be explored including working
with individuals and communities impacted by the Troubles.
Given that Monaghan is in a unique position of a population of 65,000, it is in a good
position to be an exemplar county in showcasing best practice and new thinking, of being a
test bed for innovations that are developing at pace, and a place for knowledge sharing and
transfer.
The Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough Village and local area has a long history of innovation and
good practice and in working with the Council to solutions, from the first steam pumped
water system in Ireland for a Village, in the 1870s complete with flushing outdoor toilets in
the village, train station and school to the Integrated Wetlands in the early 2000’s.
Given the new structure of a preservation trust, social enterprise that is in the process of
becoming a B Corp and a charitable foundation, the Castle Leslie Estate is in a unique
position to help shape and support a shared sustainable future for the Estate and the wider
area. We would welcome this opportunity to propose the following for inclusion in the
Monaghan County Development plan, which are inherently connected.
Following the last 30 years of work and research on the Estate, we would like to submit the
following number of initiatives, which align with a number of the SDG’s and the impacts and
findings of which we are very happy to share as widely and inclusively as possible.
Environmental Assessment and Monitoring
• Ireland's businesses, families and governmental structures emitted 3.98 tonnes of
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other fluorinated gases for every person
in Ireland in the second quarter of 2022 - more than any other EU nation. More
specifically in Monaghan, there are concerns in relation to ammonia and other by-
products of the intensive chicken farming across the county. It is important the
management and mitigation of this issue is considered as part of this plan.
• It is important to research and develop green energy solutions for the county. We
are currently looking at opportunities on the Castle Leslie Estate and wider Glaslough
village. The is also significant value in creating and supporting micro generation
systems.
• We would like to work with Monaghan County Council and others to see what other
issues that the Estate or Village could help be a venue for to showcase, test or
innovate solutions for.
Settlement strategy
• Significant improvements to the public transport system in rural areas are required
to attract and make it viable for people to live in less populated areas.
• Supports need to be provided to persons looking to establish much needed
businesses, supports and small enterprises in more rural towns and villages in the
county.
• There is an opportunity for Monaghan to become an exemplar of best practice in
carbon neutral and sustainable building practices
Housing strategy
• Given our increasing population demographic, a plan for the development of the
county should look at housing for areas that are not currently cared for such as the
50 plus who are still active and working, but don’t need a full family home, and
would rather live in a community of like-minded persons.
Climate Change, Environment and Heritage
• There is a need to develop a set of good principles for design in a historic rural
setting that respect climate, community wellbeing and cohesion while nurturing
creativity and solution focused innovations.
• In Glaslough, there is a need to further expand the Architectural Conservation Area
and examine policies for energy and historic buildings, and incorporation of
biodiversity considerations to historical townscape.
• Specifically in Glaslough and on the Castle Leslie Estate we are examining a number
of opportunities:
o To trial group heating systems for the Estate and Village.
o To create a circular system for waste within the Estate and Village.
o To support community compositing schemes.
o To expand biodiversity beyond the estate, create policies for wetlands and
hedgerows, but using estate as a nature-hub, seed collection from veteran
trees in the area, seed propagation and nursery - making these then available
around the area to create hare’s corners.
o Link to Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and local Sustainable Energy
Communities as exemplar and test bed both in the wider community and on
the Castle Leslie Estate.
o To look at developing an Agri Hub, an area where food can be grown on a
collective basis, a large-scale allotment for all as such.
o To rewild in a scientific and structured way and share findings.
o Restoration of Famine Wall to nesting opportunities for biodiversity.
Economic Activity
• In Glaslough we have the opportunity to create a visitor hub, in line with the Failte
Ireland strategy for Monaghan, that also supports many of the above and will still be
relevant in 2035.
• Economic opportunities will create meaningful employment in tourism, agriculture
and traditional skills.
• The proposed Walled Garden project at Castle Leslie and big green box provides a
great opportunity for innovation and trialling technology.
Infrastructure and Services
• To trial electric carpools, e-bikes and micro transport.
• To establish bicycle comfort station or repair station for those on bikes who need a
quick fix.
• To increase local link transport services and provision of bus shelter with green roof
and solar panels.
• To establish a library of “things” in the community centre which can be borrowed
and returned that people use intermittently such as some gardening equipment,
biodiversity monitoring equipment, and repair clinics to be held a few times per
year.
• Link to national strategy for Skill based and establish a centre for learning and
traditional skills.
• Local communities should be encouraged to work with Monaghan County Council
and to resolve issues of traffic, transport and parking in sustainable way.
• To create a transport plan for the county for tourists and the wider community
Community Services and Facilities
• To utilise the disused Great Northern Railway line as a potential for cycling/walking
and contribution to shifting mode of transport away from cars and supporting
sustainable tourism and health as well.
• To create a rural respite area for Neurodiversity such autism with equine, animal and
natural therapy.
• To create a working archive hub, the first of its kind in the country which encourages
communities to engage with their history and record their experiences.
• To establish a water, tap for refilling in the village to avoid need for plastic bottle
purchases.