A LACK of jobs, investment, and infrastructure in the small rural town of Clones in County Monaghan has left people feeling “neglected” but there is a determination by locals to pull together. 
Clones was particularly impacted during the Troubles when all roads leading into County Fermanagh were closed. The impact of those dark days on businesses in the area is still felt today but the resilience of people has never been stronger.
And that was evident on Saturday when many of them gathered in the town to support a community event aimed at showcasing all that is good about the area. 
The Bank of Ireland Clones Enterprise Town was officially opened by Heather Humphries, the minister for arts, heritage, regional, rural and gaeltacht affairs. Three times All-Ireland winning manager Mickey Harte was a guest speaker and spoke passionately about the importance of having an optimistic approach to life while historian George Knight spoke about the history of the town and talked about the recently unearthed Clones Castle which he said will help promote the area.
Businessman Bernard McNally, who runs Supervalu in the town, described the event as “fantastic” and added: “They say that Monaghan is one of the most creative counties in Ireland entrepreneur-wise and Clones is a great example of that. We have one of our young local entrepreneurs here today, Colm Connolly, with his new product Rucksnacks (dried beef) and he’s doing really well. We are selling his product in Supervalu and he’s a young lad that believed in something, took a chance and has gone through all the challenges of start up and he is excelling.”

Impartial Reporter:

Clones residents Mark Greaney, Rory McMahon, Catherine McGuigan, Eileen McManus,  Josephine McKenna, Ciaran Morgan, Walter Pringle and Fergal Corrigan at last weekend's event in the town.

Monaghan County Council has been identifying derelict properties in the area and is in the process of working with owners to improve and reinstate them. The town has also recently benefited from a brand new library which replaced the old one while its former building is about to undergo significant development work to house local government and make the ground floor available to community groups and local activities. There is also a new youth club on Church Hill.
However, there is a feeling by some in the area that Clones is “forgotten about.”
“We want investment and a common sense approach,” said Jessica Knight who runs Liberty Belle, a fashion boutique and beauty salon.
“This is a very deprived area and yet the rates haven’t come down and premises are empty. There is no incentive to bring businesses into the town. The rates here are crippling,” Miss Knight told The Impartial Reporter.

Impartial Reporter:

Jessica Knight.
“Every week people are looking for jobs with us but we are just able to keep our heads above water. It’s hard to say no to anyone who is looking for work but we try to give people experience and maybe pay them with shoes, or a bag, just to get them in,” she said.
That feeling of isolation is echoed by businessman Eamon McCaughey who diversified his newsagents to include a discount and electrical store in what was “a case of survival.”

Impartial Reporter:

Eamon McCaughey.

A member of Clones Chamber of Commerce, Mr. McCaughey says people in his area “are really struggling.”
“It is a sorry sight to see all these businesses boarded up. The heart has been ripped out of the town,” he said.

Student Leanne McPhillips has just completed her education at Dublin City University in between working at Dinkin’s home bakery and cafe in Clones.
“It is really disappointing to see all the businesses closed, you really do notice how quiet the town is now. Something needs to be done to improve the place,” she said.

Impartial Reporter:

Veronica Monahan and Leanne McPhillips.

Locals are frustrated, according to resident Veronica Monahan.
“All the roads to the north were cut off for a long time because of the Troubles and we thought when they reopened custom would come back but I am afraid it didn’t come back. We have suffered since then.”
Tony Morgan, who has been running Lipton’s for almost 25 years, says operating a business in Clones is “a constant fight.”
“The fluctuation with sterling which means people are going North. We are fighting hard against that and are trying to introduce things into the business but it’s a difficult fight, a constant fight.”

Impartial Reporter:

Tony Morgan.

Mr. Morgan believes new businesses will not locate to Clones unless infrastructure in the area is improved.
“If you drive from here to Monaghan town or Cavan you take your life in your hands, the roads are so bad. If you meet a 40 foot truck you are on tenterhooks. The roads need sorted, too.”
“Our community is very important to us; we need help and we need money.”