Development plan · Monaghan County Council
Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Monaghan County Council · 2025–2031 · 376 pages
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- site code site name description 001611 ULSTER CANAL The canal is very dry at this point and is almost entirely (AGHALISK) colonized by grasses with some Iris (Iris pseudacorus) beds and Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). 001612 WRIGHT'S WOOD Old coppiced ash woodland on a small hillock, close to Monaghan Town with diverse herbaceous ground flora. 001666 TASSAN LOUGH This small site comprises an inter-drumlin lake, reed swamp, transition mire, poor fen and dry heath on rocky substrate. The small lake has a floating macrophyte zone around much of the lake edge. Dense Common Reed (Phragmites australis) reed swamp extends from the lake edge to the north and south-west. Old mine spoil heaps with sparse vegetation occur to the west of the lake. To the south of the lake is a small transition mire area and adjacent poor fen. Remnant bog vegetation indicates that the area was cut for peat in the past. 001671 SPRING AND CORCRIN Both loughs have similar botanical structures with a ring of LOUGHS Whitewater Lily (Nymphaea alba) inside a fringe of Common Reed (Phragmites australis). There is a narrow shelf of calcareous mud around the lake edge upon which grows a species of Stonewort (Chara spp.). After this shelf the lake floor drops steeply into the deeper central area. Between the two loughs is an acidic grassland community, through which a drain runs, connecting the loughs. Around the lake shores there is wet grassland, freshwater marsh and scrub adding to the interest of the site. 001781 LISARILLY BOG Lisarilly Bog is a small, fairly remote site situated about 8 km east of Clones. This is an area of poor fen vegetation occurring on a quaking scraw in a hollow surrounded by drumlins. The poor fen has developed on a cutover raised bog and may be in transition to a raised bog. It is oligotrophic in nature and sensitive to nutrient enrichment from the surrounding farmland. 001782 KILLYHOMAN Killyhoman Marsh is a small area of wet scraw, supporting a MARSH marshy vegetation, which is partially invaded by trees. Wet woodland dominated by Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) is the main habitat type and this grades into a wet marsh vegetation. 001783 CORCREEGHY LAKE This is an undisturbed lake with a thin margin of marsh/scraw AND WOODLAND with the exception of the eastern end which has an extensive wet Willow (Salix spp.), Alder (Alnus glutinosa) stand, and harbours the Marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris) which is a rare plant in County Monaghan. 001784 ROSEFIELD LAKE This site, 4km west of Monaghan Town consists of a small AND WOODLAND calcareous lake surrounded by alder woodland (Alnus glutinosa) and reed bed communities. This inter drumlin calcareous lough, oligotrophic/mesotrophic in character, has extensive Chara communities present in the fringing reed zones and out into the open water areas. 001785 MULLAGHMORE LAKE It is a shallow lake which is rapidly infilling, becoming colonised (SOUTH) by floating scraw. The lake surface is colonised by Water Lilies. The emergent vegetation consists of dense reed beds of Common Club-Rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) and Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile), especially in the south and west. heritage, conservation and landscapechapter 06 129
- site code site name description 001835 LISABUCK The site contains a reed fringed lake with small areas of marsh LOUGH vegetation behind the reed zone among willow and birch scrub, in addition to a wet woodland area in the east of the reserve. The confirmed presence of Carex acuta adds to the ecological interest of the site. 001836 ANNAGHEANE The lake is surrounded by dense woodland dominated by LOUGH Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea) which has developed on cutover bog. The open water is fringed by an area of Common Reedmace (Typha latifolia) quaking swamp. At the northern end of the lake the swamp grades into species poor transition mire which subsequently grades into marsh dominated by an almost pure stand of Equisetum fluviatile. The nationally rare plant species, Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), occurs in the lake. 001837 MULLAGLASSAN Mullaglassan Lough is a small scraw fringed lake located 6 LOUGH miles west of Monaghan Town. On the southern and western shores there are reed beds with Club Rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris), Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and in one area on the southwestern shore a species poor Great Fen Sedge (Cladium mariscus) stand forms a dense community. The open water of the lake supports emergent Yellow Water Lily (Nuphar lutea) and where reed cover is less dense stands of Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) and Branched Burweed (Sparganium erectum). The Lesser Tussock Sedge (Carex diandra) quaking transition mire, which occurs on the land ward side of the reed zone, is the main fen habitat present, and this occurs along much of the southern shore of the lake. 001838 KILCORRAN At about 17ha of open water area, Kilcorran Lough is one of the LOUGH larger of the highly calcareous lakes in the Finn River system. It lies less than 1km from the Monaghan and Fermanagh border at Rosslea. A small catchment in limestone drift ensures a high calcium status, with a substrate of precipitated marl, and a relatively low nutrient status. Swamps are reasonably well developed in a few areas. 001839 KILLYVILLY Killyvilly Lough is a small calcareous lake located on the border LOUGH between Monaghan and Fermanagh, 12 km west of Monaghan Town. The southern half of the lake lies in Monaghan and includes an area of open water, alder woodland and Great Fen Sedge (Cladium mariscus) fen. The site, which occurs in two separate sections, in particular the southern section has an excellent and extensive quaking transition mire community developed in the base of a deep inter drumlin valley. In some areas the transition mire community supports an open wet birch scrub. In the centre of the southern section is an area of transition mire which appears to be mown on a regular basis and has developed a uniform but species rich transition mire community, similar in many regards to mown sloping fen communities that can been seen in Scandinavia. 001841 DRUMCOR Drumcor Lough is a small linear lake located 4km east of LOUGH Redhills on the Cavan-Monaghan border. It consists of a long linear oligo-mesotrophic lake with fringing reed community and Willow scrub. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 130
- site code site name description 002077 NAFARTY FEN This small wetland site is dominated by swamp and wet woodland communities. The species poor swamp vegetation is dominated by Common Reed (Phragmites qustralis), Brown Sedge (Carex disticha) and Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). Other than these species the vegetation was dominated by graminoid species and was poor in herbs. The woodland is formed of Willow (Salix) scrub towards the centre of the site with exotic planted species including mature Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Spruce (Pieca spp) (30m tall) in the north. The wet willow woodland showed a rich lichen and epiphyte flora with a well-developed herb understorey and moss flora including Pointed Spear Moss (Calliergonella cuspidate). heritage, conservation and landscapechapter 06 6.6.3 SITES OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE Sites that have been identified through Monaghan County Council surveys as being of International, National and County importance are listed in Table 6.4. TABLE 6.4 COUNTY SITES OF BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANCE REFERENCE SITE NAME REFERENCE SITE NAME 615 Ballyloughan Turlough D MFS-30 Lough Aphuca 616 Ballyloughan Turlough E Lough Bane 617 Ballyloughan Turlough F Lough Duff 622 Ballyloughan Turlough G MFS-31 Lough Ooney MFS-17 Aghafin Lough MFS-05 Morgans Lough 002904 Aghnamullen Fen MFS-33 Muckno Mill Lough 629 Ballyloughan Turlough J 633 Nure Beg Fen and Marsh MFS-12 Bishops Lough 2614 Priestfield Lough MFS-13 Cargaghmore Fen 298 Raferagh Fen MFS-27 Carrickmore 376 Reillys Lough MFS-15 Clonkeen Lough 586 Shankill Lough MFS 18 Corlea MFS-37 Shantonagh Lough MFS 01 Cornaglare MFS-38 Sillis Lough Corleadargan Bog MFS-19 Coravoo Lough MFS-07 Crinkill Lough Cormeen Lough MFS-02 Drum Lough MFS-20 Corvaghan 89 Drumakill Lough MFS-21 Creevaghy MFS-23 Drumaveale Lough MFS-04 Crumlin Lough 002732 Drumgallen Bog 545 Derryarrily Bog MFS-24 Drumganny Lough MFS-25 Drumgoast Lough 587 Drumgoan Fen MFS-26 Drumharrif Lough MFS-28 Faltagh Drumroo MFS-08 Killycooly Lough 002897 Greaghglas Fen 002755 Killyneil Fen Greaghawillin 625 Kilmactrasna Turlough G Grove Lough 555 Kilmore West Bog MFS-29 Killyboley Lough 131
- 132 REFERENCE SITE NAME REFERENCE SITE NAME 234 Kilvey Lough 624 Kilmactrasna Turlough F 600 Lagan Lough 626 Kilmactrasna Turlough H 83 Lough Egish bogs 627 Kilmactrasna Turlough J MFS-40 Lough Nahinch 264 Kilmore Lake 93 Monalty Lough 555 Kilmore West Bog 345 Monaltyduff 599 Kilmurray heath and bog MFS-32 Mount Matthews 583 Killygally Fen 384 Raferagh East Fen 589 Legghimore Fen MFS-35 Rathkeevan Lough 002911 Lisinisky Marsh MFS-36 Roosky Lough Clen Lough 568 Tassan grassland 531 Carnquill Bog MFS-10 Annagose Lough MFS-14 Carrickaslane Lough MFS-11 Annyalty Loughs 002901 Coravilla-Rakeen 585 Aughrim More Bog 535 Cloughvalley Lower Spring 340 Ballyloughan Turlough A MFS-16 Clonoony Lough Coolcar 604 621 Ballyloughan Turlough H Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 6.7 NATURA 2000 SITES AND APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT (AA) Together SPAs and SACs make up a European network of sites known as the Natura 2000 network. These sites are designated under the European Union (EU) Habitats Directive (1992) and the Birds Directive (1979). The Directive lists certain habitats and species which must be protected due to their significance. These Directives are transposed into Irish Law through the European Union (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 and 2011. The AA procedures implement the requirement of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the EU Habitats Directive. All plans and projects are required to undergo screening to determine the likelihood of significant effects on the Natura 2000 network before they can proceed. The cumulative impact of the proposed plan/project in combination with any other plan/project must also be considered. If significant environmental effects cannot be ruled out at the screening stage, the Planning Authority is required to carry out an AA of the application. This may require the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) for projects or a Natura Impact Report (NIR). There are four stages of Appropriate Assessment: Stage 1: Screening. Stage 2: Appropriate Assessment. Stage 3: Assessment of alternative options. Stage 4: Assessment where no alternative solutions exist and where adverse impacts remain. Those preparing Natura Impact Statements and Natura Impact Reports must have specialist ecological (or any other relevant specialist expertise) to comprehensively assess the potential impacts of a plan or project on any Natura 2000 site. The NIS or NIR should be based on the best available scientific knowledge available at the time. The principle objective should be to avoid any impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site by identifying potential impacts and designing the plan/project to avoid these. The Habitats Directive advocates a hierarchy of measures to be included in a NIS/NIR to address the potential impacts of a development on a Natura 2000 site as follows: AVOIDANCE protection mitigation compensation
- 133 heritage, conservation and landscapechapter 06 Where this is not possible, mitigation measures should be identified to ensure no adverse impacts arise. If, despite mitigation measures, impacts are still likely to arise the plan/project should be rejected. In instances where no alternative solutions are identified, and the plan/project is required for Imperative Reasons of Public Interest (IROPI) test, Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, then compensatory measures are required to address any remaining adverse effects. IROPI cases will be determined by the European Commission. 6.8 NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (NPWS) Article 6(1) of the Habitats Directive requires that Member States establish the necessary conservation measures for European sites involving, if need be, appropriate management plans specifically designed for the sites or integrated into other development plans. The NPWS’s current priority is to identify site specific conservation objectives; management plans may be considered after this is done. Where Integrated Management Plans are being prepared for European sites (or parts thereof), the NPWS shall be engaged with in order to ensure that plans are fully integrated with the Plan and other plans and programmes, with the intention that such plans are practical, achievable and sustainable and have regard to all relevant ecological, cultural, social and economic considerations, including those of local communities. 6.9 SLIABH BEAGH CONSERVATION ACTIONS Monaghan County Council was one of eleven partners that collaborated on an INTERREG V project – Collaborative Action of the Natura Network (CANN) which aimed to improve the conservation status of over 3,000 hectares of wetland sites and produce 25 conservation plans by 2021. This project has enhanced the condition of the protected habitats and priority species found in the North, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland. Sliabh Beagh was one of the main upland sites in the project area and a range of expert organisations worked with the local community to understand and put in place conservation actions to improve habitats, including blanket bog and to protect the rare and spectacular bird of prey, the Hen Harrier. This project developed a new model of working with communities which has achieved many conservation gains at Slieve Beagh. 6.10 SLIABH BEAGH MASTERPLAN The Sliabh Beagh Masterplan was jointly commissioned by Monaghan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in 2017 to establish a strategic vision for the future of this important rural area. The Sliabh Beagh Masterplan examines the role of Sliabh Beagh in the wider geographical area and seeks to set in place a road map for regeneration, helping the area to fulfil its potential as a visitor destination, while contributing to its needs for continued environmental protection, cultural interpretation, and economic development. The Masterplan comprises a total of 10 themes and 30 individual projects for delivery over the short, medium and long term by a range of stakeholders. HERITAGE, CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVES HCLO 10 To liaise with the Regional Assemblies, adjacent planning authorities, public agencies and community groups to protect the environmental quality of regionally significant heritage assets. HCLO 12 To cumulatively contribute towards, in combination with other users and bodies, the achievement of the objectives of the regulatory framework for environmental protection and management, including compliance with EU Directives – such as the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC, as amended), the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (2011/92/EU, as amended by 2014/52/EC) and the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC), and relevant transposing Regulations. HCLO 11 To support the implementation of the Sliabh Beagh Masterplan in conjunction with stakeholders, to improve the conservation status of habitats and species on Sliabh Beagh.
- 134 HERITAGE, CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVES HCLO 13 To require lower levels of decision making and environmental assessment to consider the sensitivities identified in the Strategic Environmental Assessment. HCLO 14 To protect the County Sites of Biodiversity Importance listed in Table 6.4 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 by ensuring that any new development does not detrimentally impact on the character, integrity, distinctiveness or scenic value of the area. Any development which could unduly impact upon such sites shall be resisted. HCLO 15 To consult with, as appropriate, Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to any development that could have a potential impact on the aquatic ecosystems and associated riparian habitats. HCLO 16 To consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, where appropriate, and take account of their views and any licensing requirements, when undertaking, approving or authorising development which is likely to affect plant, animal or bird species protected by law. HCLO 17 Promote and encourage planting of native hedgerow species in new developments and as part of the Council’s own landscaping works. HCLO 18 A Construction Environmental Management Plan shall be prepared and implemented for all development projects, were appropriate, that may give rise to significant, adverse construction related environmental effects. HCLP 4 Any plan or project in the Plan area not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site but likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site(s), either individually or in-combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to Appropriate Assessment, in view of the site’s conservation objectives; in accordance with Article 6(3) and Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directives (92/43/EEC), transposing national legislation, and applicable European and national guidelines. HCLP 6 Protect, conserve and enhance natural heritage, insofar as practicable having regard to the remit of the Council; including Natura 2000 sites (SPAs and SACs), proposed Natura Heritage Areas (pNHAs), other designated sites, and non-designated areas of high nature conservation value known as locally important areas which also serve as ‘Stepping Stones’ for the purposes of Article 10 of the Habitats Directive, improving the ecological coherence of Natura 2000 sites. HCLP 5 Monaghan County Council shall complete Appropriate Assessment, where required as a Competent Authority, in accordance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive; and shall only grant consent for developments projects after having ascertained that such projects will not adversely affect the integrity of any Natura 2000 site. HERITAGE, CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE POLICIES Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
- 135 HCLP 7 Prevent the carrying out of development that would destroy or significantly alter, damage or interfere with the integrity of a pNHA/NHA, or any of its species, communities, habitats; landforms or geological or geomorphological features; or on its diversity of natural attributes. HCLP 8 Any plan or project which is likely to impact on the conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site shall be screened for Appropriate Assessment (AA) and where pertinent, a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (Natura Impact Statement) shall be undertaken in order to make a determination. Natura 2000 sites outside the County and located within 15km of the proposed development site should also be screened for Appropriate Assessment. A Natura Impact Statement shall incorporate a written statement which sets out mitigation measures to prevent the risk of invasive species onto a Natura 2000 site. HCLP 9 Development within the vicinity of groundwater or surface water dependant Natura 2000 sites (Kilroosky Lough Cluster SAC) will not be permitted where there is potential for a likely significant impact upon the groundwater or surface water supply to the Natura 2000 site. Where appropriate, the applicant shall demonstrate with hydrogeological evidence, that the proposed development will not adversely affect the quality or quantity of groundwater or surface water supply to the Natura 2000 sites. HCLP 10 The effects of agriculture related air pollution on habitats and species shall be considered by the Planning Authority when deciding on planning applications for significantly scaled agriculture development proposals. Where necessary, Applicants shall be asked to provide appropriate supporting air dispersion modelling and ecological assessment - completed in accordance with relevant guidelines - confirming proposals will not generate adverse effects on protected species or designated sites in Ireland or Northern Ireland. 6.11 AREAS OF AMENITY Amenity areas are specifically designated due to their important landscape quality and recreational potential. They provide an asset for the local community and visitors in terms of recreation, contemplation and tourism. All scenic views, Primary and Secondary Amenity Areas can be viewed on Map 6.1, County Monaghan Development Constraints, of this Development Plan. 6.11.1 AREAS OF PRIMARY AMENITY VALUE County Monaghan has two principal areas of outstanding landscape quality which require protection from insensitive and inappropriate development. These are designed as areas of Primary Amenity Value and are listed in the Table 6.5. Development in these areas will only be permitted where the integrity and natural beauty of the landscape is not threatened. Any developments which are normally exempt under Article 6 of the Planning and Development Regulations will require planning permission. Development proposals in these areas will only be permitted where it can be clearly demonstrated that the existing landscape, landform, flora and fauna, scenic or environmental characteristics will not be compromised. heritage, conservation and landscapechapter 06
- 136 Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 TABLE 6.5 AREAS OF PRIMARY AMENITY VALUE CONSTRAINTS MAP REFERENCE AREAS OF PRIMARY AMENITY PA1 SLIABH BEAGH AND BRAGAN MOUNTAIN PA2 LOUGH MUCKNO & ENVIRONS TABLE 6.6 AREAS OF SECONDARY AMENITY VALUE CONSTRAINTS MAP REFERENCE AREAS OF SECONDARY AMENITY SA1 EMY LOUGH AND ENVIRONS SA2 BLACKWATER RIVER VALLEY SA3 MOUNTAIN WATER RIVER VALLEY SA4 MULLYASH MOUNTAIN SA5 ULSTER CANAL AND ENVIRONS SA6 ROSSMORE PARK AND ENVIRONS SA7 CASTLESHANE WOODS AND ENVIRONS SA8 BILLY FOX MEMORIAL PARK AND ENVIRONS SA9 ANNAGHMACKERRIG LAKE, WOODLAND AND ENVIRONS SA10 DARTREY DEMENSE AND ENVIRONS SA11 DROMORE RIVER AND LAKE SYSTEMS SA12 LOUGH MAJOR AND ENVIRONS SA13 HOLLYWOOD LAKE SA14 LISANISK LAKE SA15 LOUGH NAGLACK SA16 RAHANS LAKE SA17 LOUGH FEA PAP 1 To restrict development in Areas of Primary Amenity Value to sites where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the proposed development would not threaten the scenic or environmental quality of the area. PAP 2 To conserve and enhance existing Primary Amenity Areas and design management strategies to absorb further tourism and recreational uses without damage to their unique character. AREAS OF PRIMARY AMENITY VALUE POLICY 6.11.2 AREAS OF SECONDARY AMENITY VALUE In addition to the Areas of Primary Amenity Value, there are a number of other scenic and amenity areas that require protection from inappropriate and insensitive development. These areas are designated as Areas of Secondary Amenity Value and are generally associated with river valleys, uplands, woodlands and lakes and provide an important community, recreational and tourism resource. It is an objective to manage development in these areas to ensure that the scenic value is maintained and ensure any development proposals are sensitively designed and compatible with the overall landscape character of the area. The Areas of Secondary Amenity Value are listed in Table 6.6.
- 137 heritage, conservation and landscapechapter 06 SAP 1 To limit development in Areas of Secondary Amenity Value and to only permit compatible amenity developments where they do not unduly impact on visual amenity. SAP 2 To conserve and enhance existing Secondary Amenity Areas and design management strategies to absorb further tourism and recreational uses without damage to their unique character. AREAS OF SECONDARY AMENITY VALUE POLICIES SRP 1 To prohibit development that would disrupt or adversely affect a view from and/or along any scenic route as listed in Appendix 2, Views from Scenic Routes, of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 - 2031. SRP 2 To protect the scenic quality of lakes by prohibiting development located between a public road and a lake where the development would interrupt a view of the lake or adversely affect its setting or its wildlife habitat. Development may be permitted between a public road and the lakeshore where the development is screened from the lake by existing topography or vegetation. An exception to this policy may be made for short term let tourist accommodation or recreational development where a specific need has been identified. Any such proposal should be sensitively sited and designed. Development on high exposed sites overlooking lakes or waterways shall be resisted. SRP 3 Proposals for single dwellings in or adjacent to lakes may be acceptable on secluded sites, where the proposed dwelling is modest in scale and of a sensitive design. Such proposals may only be considered acceptable where they are not visible from the public road network, do not detrimentally impact on the visual amenity of the area and comply with Chapter 15, Development Management Standards, of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2019-2025. SCENIC ROUTES POLICIES 6.11.3 SCENIC ROUTES A number of important scenic routes which require protection are listed in Appendix 2, Views from Scenic Routes and are illustrated on Map 6.1, County Monaghan Development Constraints, of this Development Plan. Any development that would interfere with or adversely impact on these scenic routes will not be permitted. 6.12 GEOLOGICAL SITES The Irish Geological Heritage Programme co-ordinated by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) conducted an audit of geological sites in County Monaghan following a study in 2013 in conjunction with the Monaghan County Heritage Office. The audit did not identify any nationally important sites in the County. However, 20 locally important geological sites have been classified as County Geological Sites (CGS) and are listed in Table 6.7. The cross-cutting ribbed moraines near Scotshouse form part of the largest field of ribbed moraines found in the world and will be promoted as unique landscapes. This is the only section of mapped cross-cutting ribbed moraines in the world. Nowhere else in the world have ribbed moraines been noted where they record two separate ice flows.
- 138 GEP 1 To promote awareness of and access to sites of geological interest in consultation with landowners, where appropriate, and following recommendations regarding safety from Geological Survey Ireland. GEP 2 Where a proposed development is likely to impact on the setting or integrity of a County Geological Sites listed in Table 6.7 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031 the Geological Survey of Ireland shall be consulted. GEP 3 To protect from inappropriate development and maintain the integrity and conservation value of those features in areas of geological interest that are listed in the plan, or any sites proposed by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht or Geological Survey of Ireland during the lifetime of this plan. GEP 4 To contribute towards the appropriate protection and maintenance of the character, integrity and conservation value of features or areas of geological interest. GEP 5 To promote CGS15 Rockcorry- Cootehill ribbed Moraine and CGS16 Scotshouse - Redhills cross cutting ribbed moraines as unique landscapes in accordance with the recommendations of the Geological Survey of Ireland. GEOLOGICAL SITES POLICIES TABLE 6.7 COUNTY MONAGHAN GEOLOGICAL SITES Site No Site Name Description Townland(s) /Location CGS 1 APHUCA CAVE A twin-entranced cave passage Cloghvalley Lower, (Finn Mc Cools Cave) approximately 450m in length. Carrickmacross Part of the complex of karstic features in the Carrickmacross area. CGS 2 BALLYLOUGHAN Three small turloughs in a valley about Ballyloughlan, TURLOUGHS 1 km southeast of Lough Fea. Turloughs Carrickmacross are exceptionally rare east of the Shannon River. CGS 3 CALLIAGH The site consists of a small 19th-century Calliagh, excavation or quarry on the summit of Threemilehouse an unnamed hill. First recorded location in Ireland and Britain where manganaxinite has been recognized. The small quarry is also the best exposure in Monaghan of red Fe (iron) and Mn (manganese) rich shales of the Coronea Formation. CGS 4 CARRICKATEE HILL The site comprises extensive series of Carrickatee, outcrops on top of a partly wooded hill Ballybay (230m O.D.) and large crags on its southern slopes. The rocks are mainly mafic and felsic pyroclastic volcanic rocks of the Ordovician Carrickatee Formation. Best exposure of Ordovician volcanic rocks in the central Belt of the Longford-Down inlier. Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 – 2031
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