Clare FM

The low registration rate in Clare for a highly-publicised grant has been attributed to intense demands on business owners. Introduced in Budget 2024, the Increased Cost Of Business Grant offers successful applicants the equivalent of 50% of their commercial rates paid in 2023, capped at €5,000. 80% of small and medium businesses in Clare are eligible but just over 35% have applied for the scheme. With the deadline of May 1st fast approaching, Ennis Chamber President Sheila Lynch says in the midst of the "firefighting" businesses are forced to do each day, there's still time to apply.

A local medical practitioner believes misinformation is playing a part in low vaccine uptake for children. It comes as the HSE has launched a campaign to promote the importance of immunisation in protecting babies and children against the lives of measles, whooping cough and mumps. The uptake of primary childhood immunisation has declined across all vaccines since 2020, while HPSC figures show 48 cases of whooping cough and 16 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Ireland so far this year. Clare doctor and Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine Dr Emma Kearney says while clinic closures resulting from the pandemic are largely to blame for low uptake, misleading information on social media has resulted in some vaccine hesitancy.

There will be Clare interest in the first episode of a new series on TG4. John O’Connor will feature in tonight’s opening episode of Déan Tú Féin É. The show will air on TG4 this evening at 8pm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by John from Newtown Ballyvaughan, on Thursday's Morning Focus.

Our series, ‘Clare Women in Business’, seeks to showcase the accomplishments of women in business, foster gender equality, and inspire future generations of female leaders. This week, Pat Flynn meets Nadaa Hyder, co-founder of Morning Dew in Corofin.

It is time for the eleventh episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Village Tour, where Alan Morrissey paid a visit to Miltown Malbay. With the Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of Village Tour, Alan chats with three people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs and community representatives.

On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Canadian chef and owner of Randaddy’s in Lahinch, Randy Lewis. This week, Randy shared with us all the tips and tricks for your Summer BBQ!

This week is Organ Donor Awareness Week. Running until Saturday, the key campaign message continues to be built around sharing your wishes with your loved ones about organ donation with the theme, Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones In Doubt. This follows the signing of the Human Tissue Bill into law by the President, Michael D. Higgins, at the end of February. This means people will be deemed to be organ donors unless they have registered their wish not to donate. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, Former Deputy Principal, Rice College, Founder, Burns Study Centre, his Younger Brother was an Organ Recipient and his Older Brother was an Organ Donor.

A protest will take place outside the Dáil today to highlight chronic overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. The demonstration will take place at Leinster House at 1pm and coincides with the fourth day of the inquest into the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston at UHL in December 2022. The sixteen-year old passed away from bacterial meningitis after waiting 12 hours on chairs in the Emergency Department, and a doctor who treated her on the night has told the coroners court the ED "was not a safe environment". Organiser of today's protest, Mike Daly says services in the MidWest are nowhere near good enough.

A call has been made for the demolition of the Ennis Market Building. Built at a cost of €1.75m in 2016, the covered facility was intended to accommodate traders and farmers markets, while providing car-parking in its downtime. The site has struggled to attract vendors though and in December, Clare County Council contracted a private security firm to monitor the premises due to concerns for public safety, stemming from persistent instances of anti-social behaviour. Labour local election candidate in the Ennis Municipal District, Seamus Ryan, believes the structure should be knocked to the ground and repurposed rather than draining public funds.

125 Transition Year students from St.Flannan's College in Ennis will climb Croagh Patrick tomorrow to raise much needed funds for local charities. The money raised by the students will be donated to Cahercalla Community Care, Milford Hospice and Cancer Care Galway. Over €2,300 has already been raised by the students through various fundraising campaigns. Edel Vaughan, teacher at St.Flannans's, says the cause is very important to all at the school.

It's claimed Ennis and County Clare has lost one of its most genial and hardworking public representatives. It follows the passing of former Mayor of Ennis and Fianna Fáil Councillor Raymond Greene. Raymond was first elected to the town council in 1991 and was elected as the county town's first citizen the following year. Clare Fianna Fáil PRO Michael McTigue has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that Raymond was a man who never sought acclaim for his achievements and always put the needs of others before his own.

There has been a surge in support for the reopening of the Crusheen Rail Stop. In March, Clare County Council commissioned Repucon Consulting to conduct a feasibility study to examine the socio-economic benefits of re-instating the North Clare rail stop. Within the first two weeks, the survey has already received over 1,000 public submissions weighing in on the prospect of reinstating the line that closed to passenger traffic in 1976. Colman O'Raghallaigh from West On Track believes the reopening the station is inevitable.

A Clare farming representative believes the exodus of young people from agriculture is driving down the price of land. New data from the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland and Teagasc has revealed Clare has the lowest average price for farmland in Munster and the fifth-lowest nationwide. The agricultural sector supports 12,000 people in Clare, or roughly 20,000 of the county's population, and the average age of a farmer here is 59. O'Callaghan's Mills Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association representative Martin McMahon has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes land prices will fall over time if young people aren't incentivised to purse a career in the sector.

A Clare community worker has claimed that the ability to vote in local elections enables greater integration in communities. In the past fortnight, 12 Clare based community organisations have come together to help marginalised groups to register ahead of the upcoming local and European elections in June. The initiative will continue into early May and aims to provide assistance to people living in emergency accomodation and direct provision centres. Alina Senkova, Community Development worker with the Clare Local Development Company, says refugees need time to become familiar with their local representatives.

Over the past week, more European medals have come to Clare, with Odin McNulty of the West Clare Taekwon-Do Club picking up bronze in the patterns section of the Euro championships in Poland. The club is one of the fastest growing in the area, and members are now regularly featuring on national squads. Ahead of travelling to the championships, Clare FM's Derrick Lynch spoke with Odin and some other members of the club to find out how things are going.

It’s a busy weekend for the Cheese Press, Ger Woulfe, a musician from Cork, will play the Cheese Press in Ennistymon this Saturday. American artist Casey Black will also play there on Monday night. On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Ger and Casey joined Alan Morrissey to discuss the upcoming concerts. Ger plays Sat 27th 8pm and Casey is playing with support from his friend Mick Flannery, who plays April 29th 8pm. Picture (c) cheesepressennistymon.ie

Transition Year students from St. Flannan’s College are getting ready to take on a big challenge, in aid of local charities. Tomorrow they will climb Croagh Patrick to raise vital funds for Cahercalla Community Care, Milford Hospice and Cancer Care Galway. To find out more about the climb, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Transition Year Students, Maggie Murphy and Alex Furey, and teacher, Edel Vaughan from St Flannan's. To donate, please visit: https://gofund.me/ddfd86b7

This year’s Darkness Into Light will take place on the morning of Saturday, 11th of May at 4:15am. The early morning event by Pieta, billed as “the most important sunrise of the year”, is a huge fundraiser for suicide prevention. Its launch will take place tomorrow. To find out more about the event, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mary Howard, Ennis Municipal District Fine Gael Councillor & Darkness Into Light Committee member on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

The funeral mass of a seven-year-old boy from South-East Clare who tragically passed away after getting into difficulty in a hotel swimming pool, will take place today. Shay Lynch from O'Briensbridge was pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick on Saturday afternoon following the incident at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe. He was a first class pupil at Scoil Seanain Naofa in Clonlara and a member of Clonlara GAA Club, which have both paid tribute to him as a talented, loved and valued member of their communities. Shay will be laid to rest in St.Thomas' Church Grounds in Bridgetown after 11am funeral mass in St.Senan's Church Clonlara. He is survived by his parents James and Tania and sister Abi. Clonlara Co-Parish Priest and Chief Celebrant Fr.Pat Mulcahy says Shay was a child full of goodness and happiness.

Residents of Miltown Malbay area are said to be sleeping in fear due to fire risks presented by malpractice from mobile fast food vendors. It follows concerns raised by constituents in the electoral area relating to flammable and hazardous products being discarded in residential settings following festivals and events. Clare County Council has confirmed it's exploring solutions in two towns where there have been consistent breaches of casual trading bye-laws. Miltown Malbay native, Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn says there are serious public security concerns.

Clare Manager Michael Neylon Ahead Of Cork Clash In Munster U20 Football Championship

It's claimed Ballyvaughan is at risk of becoming a ghost town due to the proliferation of guest houses and hotels now housing International Protection Applicants. It follows a meeting held between community representatives and the Department of Integration last night over the imminent arrival of Asylum Seekers, comprised of family units, to Drumcreehy House in the village.

Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has announced his intention to contest the European election in the Ireland South Constituency. The Scariff deputy has respresented this county in the Dáil since the 2020 general election and previously from 2011 to 2016. Citing immigration as one of his key issues, along with agriculture and renewable energy, he's criticised the Government for ceding on key areas of national sovereignty to Brussels. Deputy Michael McNamara has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that too many important policy decisions affecting the MidWest are being made in Europe without accountability.

An award-winning Clare family carer is calling for the practice of medical gaslighting of women to be brought to an end. It follows the launch of the new €11 million phase of the Government's action plan for women's healthcare. Bringing the total women's health funding allocation since 2020 to over €140 million, the Women's Health Action Plan 2024-25 is aimed at expanding and developing priority initiatives as identified by the Women's Health Taskforce. This includes the expansion of the Free Contraception Scheme from 31 to 35 years, a renewed focus on women at midlife and older, increased capacity for endometriosis services, enhanced screening services and increased investment in Termination of Pregnancy services. Mental health services have been special given attention with the establishment of 11 Specialist Eating Disorder Teams, six multidisciplinary teams in perinatal mental health services, and perinatal midwife posts across 13 sites. 2022 Netwatch Clare Family Carer of the Year and Ennis resident, Anne Micks insists medical practitioners need to become more attuned to women-specific health issues. Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler has also revealed that work is underway on a Women's Mental Health Character to "strengthen gender awareness" within healthcare. Founder of the Haven Hub, which has a satellite centre in Ennis, Leona O'Callaghan, believes the emotional impact of various health conditions must be acknowledged. Reacting to the raft of measures, Ennis GP Dr Máire Finn insists education must be made a priority in future plans so women can gain a deeper understanding of the health issues they could encounter.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland is hoping to bring attention to the daily "slaughter" occurring in Gaza ahead of a talk in Clare this week. Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid will be speaking at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point this Thursday at 8pm to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories. It comes as international governments are being urged to resume funding to UNRWA after an independent review has found Israel has provided no evidence of any wrongoing within the organisation. Her Excellency says it's crucial that people grasp the level of devastation being perpetrated on innocent civilians on a daily basis.

To discuss the latest in the entertainment world, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Colum McGrath, on Tuesday’s Morning Focus. This week, Colum discussed Taylor Swift’s new album, the IFTAs, and Hozier who joins Sinead O’Connor, U2 and Gilbert O’Sullivan as only the fourth Irish artist ever, to have a No. 1 in the US on the Billboard 100 song charts with 'Too Sweet'.

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Burns, retired Deputy Principal at Rice College and Director of the Burns Study Centre in Ennis. This week, John discussed when grinds are needed, getting the most out of grinds, and how to choose the right grind for you.

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to Fergal O’Keefe, host of the Travel Tales with Fergal podcast. On this week’s Travel Tales, Fergal discussed the Amalfi Coast and his travel experience around Italy.

The new Women’s Health Action Plan, launched late last week by the Department of Health, pledges further investment to expand and develop new women’s health services. This includes initiatives like the Free Contraception Scheme, which is being extended by a further 4 years to women aged 17–35. The proposed expansion of termination of pregnancy services and continued implementation of period poverty measures are also included in the second phase of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024–2025. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr. Maire Finn, a GP at Ennis Medical Centre, Anne Micks, the Head of Advocacy and Borad Member of Rare Ireland & Rare D, and Leona O’Callaghan, Founder of the Haven Hub. Picture (c) Department of Health via Facebook

There was success for Clare at the Texaco Children’s Art Competition. A total of eleven students from the Banner County won top prizes in this year’s 70th edition of the renowned art competition. On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by two of the winners: Sinéad Azkorbebeitia, aged 8, (Category E) and Eimear Fitzgerald, age 16, who recieved 3rd place in age 16 to 18 (Category F), from the Ennis Art School.

Moves are underway in Clare to take part in the "In Aid of Gaza Children" campaign. People all over Ireland are being asked to light a candle in memory of every child that has been killed by Israel in Gaza. The initiative, which will take place at the beginning of May, is organised by the Waterford-based group Gaeil ar son Gaza. To discuss this further and find out more about the campegin Alan Morrissey was joined by Carol McNamara, who discussed the initiative on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Picture (c) Gaeil ar son Gaza via Facebook

It's hoped the plight of Clare people locked out of housing will be highlighted at a major national protest today. The 'raise the roof' demonstration will take place outside Leinster House at 11 to coincide with an opposition proposal calling on the Government to develop an inclusive housing strategy. There are plans to construct 50 affordable homes across Ennis and Shannon this year, but the scheme is being targeted at those earning between €55K and €70k per year, despite the social housing cut off being €35,000. Mountshannon based Social Democrats local election candidate Fiona Levie insists the policy is not fit for purpose.

Clare's GRA representative insists it's not too late for Drew Harris to re-gain the confidence of rank and file personnel. It comes as the Garda Representatives Association's annual conference continues in Westport, County Mayo today. Issues with internal disciplinary procedures, recruitment and retention, administration burdens and a lack of guidance, training, and support when dealing with intimidatory protests are set to dominate discussions. Clare Garda Paul Crowley says the Commissioner must heed their calls for change in order to prevent further disillusionment within the force.

The Government is being urgent to suspend any further fuel tax hikes in order to ease the strain on struggling Clare households. Petrol and Diesel prices have now reached their highest to date in 2024, at an average cost of €1.81 and €1.78 per litre respectively, according to the AA. Excise duty is expected to be fully reinstated in August, with a further 4c hike on Petrol and 3c on Diesel in the pipeline. Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan, says it's particularly unfair in a county with inadequate public transport.

Clare's Emmet McMahon After Munster SFC Semi - Final Win Over Waterford

A South East Clare Councillor says the community of Clonlara will rally around the family of Shay Lynch, after he drowned in a tragic incident at hotel swimming pool over the weekend. The seven-year-old was pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick following the incident at the Lakeside Hotel in Kilalloe on Saturday afternoon. Shay was a 1st class pupil at Scoil Seanain Naofa in Clonlara, which had celebrated confirmations earlier that day. Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley says it's hard to comprehend that something like this could happen to a young child enjoying himself on a happy day.

An Ireland South MEP insists meaningful supports are forthcoming for Clare farmers impacted by the prolonged inclement weather. Farms have been fighting an acute shortage of fodder coupled with limited opportunities to plant crops this year and in March alone, the level of rainfall recorded at Shannon Airport's weather station was 67% above the long-term average. On Friday, EU lawmakers, agriculture specialists and farming representatives gathered for a conference in Carlow to address financial losses and funding concerns. Ireland South Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly who organised the event believes the Government is firmly committed to compensating affected farmers.

It's claimed investment in active travel infrastructure is urgently needed in Ennis to safeguard public health. New figures from the EPA show the level of PM10 particles, which can cause serious long-term damage to the heart and lungs when inhaled, exceeded national standards on six occaisions in January alone in the county town. In 2022, Ennis also recorded 22 PM10 breaches, which was by far the highest total recorded nationwide. Ennis Green Party Local Election Candidate Bridget Ginnity believes people need an incentive not to drive their cars in the town centre to improve air quality.

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrisssey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan. On this week’s In the Garden, Tom provided listeners with all the information for planting flowers in hanging baskets. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or Whatsapp to 086 1800 964.

Kilkee Waterworld and Drift Cafe have been approved for more than €500,000 of grant support from the SEAI under the Better Energy Communities Scheme. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy from Kilkee and Tracey Lynch, the Manager of Kilkee Waterworld & Drift Cafe, on Monday's Morning Focus. Picture (c) Kilkee Waterworld CLG

The Shorelines Trio, featuring world renowned singer and flute player Nuala Kennedy, with Clare fiddle maestro Tara Breen and the exceptional Dublin guitarist Tony Byrne, will take to the stage in Glór this Thursday, the 25th of April at 8pm. For more on this, on Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Nuala Kennedy.

Madigan Traditional Masonry, based in Ennistymon is holding an event on the use of Irish lime mortar to conserve and repair our historic buildings on the 26th and the 27th of April. The event will consist of talks and demonstrations from Conservation Engineers and Craftspeople. The main aim it to empower homeowners to make informed decisions when restoring their own buildings. To find out more about it, on Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Eóin Madigan of Madigan Traditional Masonry.

From a small corner in the Agricultural Show at Ennis Showgrounds back in 2012, to this year’s tenth edition, it’s been quite a journey for the Clare Garden Festival. The 2024 Clare Garden Festival will take place at Ennis Showgrounds on Sunday, the 28th of April. Its huge Garden, Plant, Craft, and Food Fair will be in place, with over 80 stalls from all over Ireland featuring some of the old favourites as well as 26 new stallholders. All-day expert garden talks will run on its accessible stage. And there will also be large-scale outdoor demos as well as workshops, masterclasses and displays this year. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Carmen Cronin, Festival founder and manager, Kitty Scully, a Master Organic Garden currently on RTE with the Homegrown series; and Joe Lillis, Chairman Clare Agricultural Show society. Picture (c) Clare Garden Festival via Facebook

Tesco is set to open a new store in Shannon Town Centre, taking over the unit currently occupied by Dealz. Dealz is in the process of relocating to a different location; once relocated, Tesco will move into the vacated retail unit. To find out more about this addition to Shannon, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kacper Zybert, Manager of the Shannon Town Centre. Picture (c) shannontowncentre.ie

Ennis recorded the greatest number of air quality breaches of any town in the country in the first quarter of the year. New EPA figures show the level of PM10 particles, which can cause long-term damage to the heart and lungs when inhaled, exceeded national standards in the county-town on six occasions in January alone. Throughout last year, The Environmental Protection Agency documented 11 PM10 breaches in Ennis, which was also the highest amount on record nationwide. Lead Inspector of the EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Unit, Patrick Kenny, says there's major cause for concern.

Clare Gardaí will be aiming to tackle a worrying trend in offences for driving under the influence in a new high visibility campaign. All uniformed Gardaí across the county are now carrying out a minimum 30 minutes of roads policing operations per shift, involving speed checks, checkpoints and patrols, following a new directive from Commissioner Drew Harris. To date this year in Clare, 35 motorists have been detected driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. Superintendent of the Clare Community Engagement Functional Area Garda John Ryan says at this time of year in particular, full focus is crucial behind the wheel.

Clare Manager Mark Fitzgerald After Munster SFC Semi Final Win Over Waterford

Clare Manager Brian Lohan After Limerick Loss

On this week’s episode of Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits the Tulla Stables Artists Studios set up by the Clare Arts Office to provide workspaces for artists in the county.

The community of south-east Clare is in mourning after a young boy lost his life in a tragic drowning incident at a hotel swimming pool. The 7 year old had been attending a birthday party at the facility in Killaloe, and was pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick. A post-mortem examination will be carried out while a full examination of the circumstances of the tragedy will also be undertaken, but Gardai say foul play is not a factor. Killaloe Fianna Fail councillor Tony O'Brien says it is a tragic incident for all involved

A €400K public realm enhancement of a prominent East Clare town has been put out to tender by the local authority. Clare County Council is now accepting bids from contractors to complete paving and landscaping works as part of the Mountshannon public realm and mobility plan. It's envisaged the works will begin within the next two months and the project is expected to be completed later this year to coincide with the opening of the new visitor centre at Holy Island (Inis Cealtra). Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke is confident there will be minimal impact to local business during construction.

Clare's Green Party senator has predicted towns will become "homogenised" unless small businesses are supported. Inagh Senator Róisín Garvey has called for a raft of measures to support the 309,000 small and medium-sized businesses nationwide, including reducing commercial rates and extending the terms of SCBI loans for businesses. The Annual Rate of Valuation in Clare was reduced by 4.4% last year, meaning six in 10 businesses have seen a reduction in their commercial rates owed to Clare County Council. Addressing new Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke in the Seanad, Senator Garvey says multinationals will rule the roost if small businesses aren't given the attention leg-up they need.

There are calls for decisive action to be taken once and for all on a road that's been described as Clare's national embarrassment. In the last month alone, three people have been hospitalised following road traffic collisions on the N85 main Ennis to Ennistymon Road. The latest spate of incidents has sparked calls for Transport Infrastructure Ireland to immediately provide funding for the Kilnamona Re-Alignment Project, which plans to remove bends on a 4.5km stretch of the route as far as Whelan's Quarry. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says locals and tourists alike are risking their lives on the road every day.

A Clare firefighter believes the lifting of the mandatory retirement age will act as an incentive for people to join the fire service. Government approval has been granted for increasing the retirement age for both full-time and retained firefighters from 58 to 62. The move is among a number of Workplace Relations Commission recommendations being implemented such the provision of 12 firefighters in all retained fire stations and guaranteed fixed minimum earnings in excess of €20,000. Shop Steward at Killaloe Fire Station Edward Moloney predicts the measure will give firefighters the opportunity to continue earning later in their careers.

A Clare senator has accused Eir of threatening its staff with sanctions if they didn't break consumer law. It comes as the telecommunications company has pleaded guilty to 12 counts of not complying with legal requirements after it was revealed a training manual instructed staff not to tell customers its complaints number or complaints webpage address. Eir has claimed the instruction was "taken out of context" as staff are required to transfer calls to the complaints team rather than asking customers to make a second call or go online. Tulla Fianna Fáil Senator and Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications member Timmy Dooley believes the company must explain its actions.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer for today the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief on Good Shepherd Sunday and features an an interview with the late Canon Brendan O'Donoghue who talks about his nearly 70 years ministry in the Killaloe Diocese. Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications has an interview with Diane Brown, who tells the story of how her son Jim Foley, a US Photojournalist, was kidnapped by ISIS terrorists in 2012 and publicly beheaded two years later and how she came to be a leading advocate for Americans held hostage abroad.

Clare FM Sideline View Friday April 19th 2024

It's claimed the introduction of fixed speeding cameras and motorway driving lessons in Clare could radically improve driver behaviour. It comes as more than 80 motorists nationwide have already been detected speeding within the first five hours of National Slow Down Day.

It's claimed the introduction of fixed speeding cameras and motorway driving lessons in Clare could radically improve driver behaviour. It comes as more than 80 motorists nationwide have already been detected speeding within the first five hours of National Slow Down Day.

Ennis will host a landmark anniversary event for Alzeimher's Ireland next week. The Alzeimher's Society of Ireland is hosting a 30th Alzeimher's Tea Day event in their centre in the county town next Friday May, 3rd between 2:30 and 4pm. The 30th anniversary is a significant milestone as statistics show at least 30 people in Ireland are diagnosed with dementia and similar neurodegenerative diseases every single day. Clare Dementia Advisor at ASI, Fiona Staunton, says awareness has been crucial to ensure people get an early diagnosis.

In our weekly series 'Ours To Protect', we take a closer look at biodiversity and sustainability in Co Clare. This week, we hear about the Seafield Conservation Forum and the work they’re doing to protect the dune network in their area.

The High Kings are making their way to Clare. The group, described as ‘Ireland’s leading folk band’, enjoyed a remarkable 2023, during which they released their latest album, ‘The Road not Taken’, as well as touring the world. The band will play at Glór this coming Sunday, the 21st of April. Alan Morrissey was joined by Brian Dunphy from the High Kings to find out more about the upcoming concert.

It is time for another episode of Seanchaí Corner. Seanchaí Corner sees the renowned author, storyteller, lecturer, and broadcaster, Eddie Lenihan, regale us with a memorable story from his extensive collection of old Irish tales and fables. In our latest installment of Seanchaí Corner, Eddie brings us a story about a farming couple who help a woman in need, but the woman isn’t all that she first seems...

14 year-old Kate Reidy from Sixmilebridge and a member of the Clare Sixmilebridge scout group, recently completed the Crean Challenge Expedition, an annual Scouting Ireland Challenge taking place over 7 months. To find out more about the expedition, Alan Morrissey spoke with Kate on Friday's Morning Focus.

Those who commute between Clare and Limerick will be pleased to hear that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has opened a public consultation on plans to significantly enhance bus services from Limerick to the Banner County, including the much-maligned 343 bus service from Ennis to Limerick. The public consultation is now open and will remain so until Thursday, the 9th of May. Clare FM's Seán Lyons spoke to National Transport Authority Communications Officer Michael Sinnott. For more on this, on Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Donna McGettigan, a Sinn Féin General Election Candidate and Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District and Pat Barry, Independent Local Election Candidate and Shannon MD. Picture (c) Clare FM

It's claimed a North Clare community has been treated with the height of disrespect by the Department of Integration. Dromcreehy Country House in Ballyvaughan is expected to accommodate up to 34 International Protection Applicants comprised of family units in the coming days after the provider, Alber Capital LTD signed a one-year state contract. Public representatives were first informed of the development late on Wednesday evening, but it's understood local residents, healthcare services and businesses dependent on bookings at the guest-house had no prior engagement. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says the local community have been completely overlooked.

Clare Gardaí are warning that any motorists caught speeding will be punished to the full extent of the law during a special operation today. As part of National Slow Down Day which goes on until 7 tomorrow morning, Gardaí will be carrying out high visibility speed checks nationwide. So far this year, 3,922 fixed charge notices have been issued to drivers exceeding the speed limit in Clare, while there has been one fatality on this county's roads. Roads Policing Superintendent of the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division Eddie Golden says all motorists have a part to play in reducing road traffic collisions.

The Manager of the Clare U-20 footballers insist there is still vital experience to be gained by his side in what remains of their provincial campaign. It comes as the Banner suffered their second consecutive loss of the campaign after shipping a 1-10 to 0-07 defeat to Tipperary in Ardfinnan. Clare could still qualify for the final though but will need to be comprehensive winners against Cork in the final round and will require a favour from Kerry when they face Tipperary. Clare Boss Mikey Neylon says his young squad need to be playing against the best to develop at senior level.

Shannon is to receive another boost, with the announcement of 30 new trainee positions at Atlantic Aviation Group. AAG, one of Europe's largest aircraft maintainance companies, is seeking to recruit trainee aircraft technicians to help the firm service its expanding client base. In partnership with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, the company will open two recruitment periods for its traineeship programme this year, with the first phase of recruitment beginning on June 10th and the second phase beginning in October. AAG Chief Aviation Services Officer Eva O’Keeffe says the partnership aims to address the global shortage of qualified aircraft maintenance technicians.

Clare's Oireachtas Health Committee members are calling for greater recognition of the challenges posed by long Covid. The condition, which is thought to affect over 7% of the population, was the main topic of discussion at this week's meeting of the committee. It's estimated over 350,000, or more than one in 15 people in Ireland, suffer from self-reported symptoms of long Covid. Characterised by symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog, the condition is a long-term complication of Covid-19, with debilitating consequences for those who experience it. Crusheen native Steve Barrett has been living with long Covid symptoms since being hospitalised with Covid-19 in January 2022. He says the condition has forced him to make drastic changes in both his personal and professional life. Special leave with pay for healthcare workers with long covid was halted at the end of March, but has this week been reinstated by the Department of Health, and will apply retrospectively to April 1st, with no impact on sick leave entitlements. Speaking at this week's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says despite the obvious suffering of many, the condition still isn't understood or taken seriously by many employers. A major talking point of the meeting was perceived regional imbalance when it comes to resources for sufferers of long Covid. The meeting heard that the dedicated long Covid clinic in University Hospital Limerick only sees six to eight patients a month and only operates for two-and-a-half to four hours weekly. In addition, despite brain fog and cognitive problems being prominent symptoms of the condition, the only neurologist in the country appointed to the care of long Covid patients is in St. James's Hospital in Dublin. Addressing HSE officials at the meeting, Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says greater efforts must be made to ensure long Covid sufferers aren't disadvantaged because of where they live.

Clare's Oireachtas Health Committee members are calling for greater recognition of the challenges posed by long Covid. The condition, which is thought to affect over 7% of the population, was the main topic of discussion at this week's meeting of the committee. It's estimated over 350,000, or more than one in 15 people in Ireland, suffer from self-reported symptoms of long Covid. Characterised by symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog, the condition is a long-term complication of Covid-19, with debilitating consequences for those who experience it. Crusheen native Steve Barrett has been living with long Covid symptoms since being hospitalised with Covid-19 in January 2022. He says the condition has forced him to make drastic changes in both his personal and professional life. Special leave with pay for healthcare workers with long covid was halted at the end of March, but has this week been reinstated by the Department of Health, and will apply retrospectively to April 1st, with no impact on sick leave entitlements. Speaking at this week's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says despite the obvious suffering of many, the condition still isn't understood or taken seriously by many employers. A major talking point of the meeting was perceived regional imbalance when it comes to resources for sufferers of long Covid. The meeting heard that the dedicated long Covid clinic in University Hospital Limerick only sees six to eight patients a month and only operates for two-and-a-half to four hours weekly. In addition, despite brain fog and cognitive problems being prominent symptoms of the condition, the only neurologist in the country appointed to the care of long Covid patients is in St. James's Hospital in Dublin. Addressing HSE officials at the meeting, Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says greater efforts must be made to ensure long Covid sufferers aren't disadvantaged because of where they live.

Clare's Oireachtas Health Committee members are calling for greater recognition of the challenges posed by long Covid. The condition, which is thought to affect over 7% of the population, was the main topic of discussion at this week's meeting of the committee. It's estimated over 350,000, or more than one in 15 people in Ireland, suffer from self-reported symptoms of long Covid. Characterised by symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog, the condition is a long-term complication of Covid-19, with debilitating consequences for those who experience it. Crusheen native Steve Barrett has been living with long Covid symptoms since being hospitalised with Covid-19 in January 2022. He says the condition has forced him to make drastic changes in both his personal and professional life. Special leave with pay for healthcare workers with long covid was halted at the end of March, but has this week been reinstated by the Department of Health, and will apply retrospectively to April 1st, with no impact on sick leave entitlements. Speaking at this week's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says despite the obvious suffering of many, the condition still isn't understood or taken seriously by many employers. A major talking point of the meeting was perceived regional imbalance when it comes to resources for sufferers of long Covid. The meeting heard that the dedicated long Covid clinic in University Hospital Limerick only sees six to eight patients a month and only operates for two-and-a-half to four hours weekly. In addition, despite brain fog and cognitive problems being prominent symptoms of the condition, the only neurologist in the country appointed to the care of long Covid patients is in St. James's Hospital in Dublin. Addressing HSE officials at the meeting, Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says greater efforts must be made to ensure long Covid sufferers aren't disadvantaged because of where they live.

Catherine McGee is involved with Our Shoes. They are behind the In My Shoes campaign initiative. It aims to ship pre-loved shoes through schools to send to children in South African towns in an effort to make a positive change to their lives. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey spoke with Catherine McGee, Campaign Manager of Our Shoes On Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) via ourshoes.ie

Efforts are underway to save the community hall in Montpelier. A Triple Peak Challenge will take place this coming weekend, as part of efforts to raise funds to repair the Montpelier-O'Briensbridge Community Centre in South East Clare. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Catriona ‘Donoghue, the Public Relations Officer for Montpelier-O'Briensbridge Community Centre. Picture (c) Montpelier O'Briensbridge Community Centre via Facebook

‘Clare Women in Business’, seeks to showcase the accomplishments of women in business, foster gender equality, and inspire future generations of female leaders. This week, Pat Flynn meets Denise O’Brien who established O’Brien Learning Solutions in Shannon in 2016.

It is time for the tenth episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Village Tour, where Alan Morrissey paid a visit to Kilkee. With the Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of Village Tour, Alan chats with three people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs and community representatives.

Giving Birth in Ireland is the new book from the Irish Birth Movement. It has been written by mothers, midwives, doulas, and birth partners for all who have and will give birth in Ireland, as well as those supporting them. To find out more about the book, Alan Morrissey was joined by Petrina O’Halloran, founder of Birth and Beyond and also runs Mama’s Boobie Box, mum Blogger and writer for online magazine Boobingit.com. Danilly Carvalho, living in Ardnacrusha, originally from Brazil and Leigh Brosnan, Co-Editor of Giving Birth in Ireland. The book is available here: https://sheelaghnagig.com/Giving-Birth-in-Ireland_9781399971935

Last January, the Mid-West Region had been successful in its bid to host the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for a three-year period from 2025. Limerick, Waterford, and Kerry were to be the locations, with each to be given a year over 2025, 2026 and 2027. Unfortunately, Ireland is no longer being considered to host a round of the World Rally Championship in 2025. Motorsport Ireland made this announcement, with the organisation claiming to have received confirmation from Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne, that the department would need "at least six months" to undertake further independent economic assessments and analysis of the proposal. To get more on this, and find out what Clare and the MidWest will be missing out on, Alan Morrissey was joined by Aiden Harper, President of Motorsport Ireland Representative, Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O’Callaghan and Karen Ronan, the General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau.

Calls are being made for a dedicated armed support unit to be based at Ennis Garda Station following a violent assault perpetrated by two masked man at a retail premises in Clarecastle. Three people were hospitalised as a result of the incident which took place shortly after 1pm last Sunday, with a man in his 20s sustaining serious injuries. The suspects made their getaway via the Kildysart Road on a route locally known as the Connacht line before abandoning their vehicle at Newhall near Ballyea. Clarecastle Sinn Féin local election candidate Tommy Guilfoyle says Gardaí here are fighting against the odds when it comes to serious crime.

A Clare teachers' representative insists the continuation of post-marking adjustment for this years leaving certs will ensure a level playing field for students. Education Minister Norma Foley announced this week that grade inflation will be tapered off in the coming years, as the class of 2024 will be the final batch to graduate without having sat a junior cert exam. This year's Leaving Cert results will also be distributed on Friday August 23rd, which is two days earlier than last year. TUI Rep and teacher at St.Michael's Secondary School, Kilmihil Kate Hehir says it's welcome reassurance for students.

A member of the Clare Senior Hurling Backroom Team insists they will be under no illusions of the mammoth task that lies ahead when the All-Ireland Champions come to Cusack Park. Limerick are the visitors this Sunday for the first round of the Munster Hurling Championship, which comes just a fortnight after Clare claimed their fifth national hurling league title. The Banner and the Treaty last clashed at the county grounds in May of 2022 and played out a 0-24 to 1-21 draw. Former Clare Hurler and Clooney-Quin Clubman Tommy Corbett says there is a clear focus in the camp.

The Clare based Co-Captain of the Irish Women's Rugby team is confident the squad can cause an upset against England this weekend. Ireland face an away trip this weekend after decisively claiming their first victory of the campaign with a 36 -5 victory over Wales last time out. A win this weekend would solidify Ireland's mid-table position ahead of the final round against Scotland. Kilmihil's Edel McMahon says there is a positive mood in the camp.

The Manager of the Clare Minor Footballers insists his side must hit the ground running in order to claim early season silverware next week. The Banner rounded off their group fixtues in the Munster Championship last night with a 2-10 to 1-08 home defeat at the hands of Tipperary at Pairc Naomh Muire, Quillty. The sides will clash again on April 30th though, when the Daryl Darcy Cup will be up for grabs in the phase one final. Clare Boss Dermot Coughlan says while he is confident of securing the win, they must avoid a slow start.

The Chair of Clare County Council's housing committee has accused the Government of inflating its housing delivery figures. It comes as the number of households on Clare's social housing list has climbed above 2,900 for the first time in over two years. Department of Housing figures indicate 32,695 new homes were completed nationwide last year while 11,939 social homes were delivered by approved housing bodies and local authorities. Shannon Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn believes nowhere near enough social homes are coming on stream to cater for the level of demand.

A human rights monitor is urging the Government to take concrete action against Israeli settlements in Palestine ahead of a talk in Clare this week. The Occupied Territories Bill, which would see the prohibition of "the import and sales of goods, services and natural resources originating in illegal settlements in occupied territories" such as Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the recognition of the Palestinian state, is currently stalled in the Dáil. Galway native Máire Ní Mheibhric is a human rights monitor who has recently returned from the West Bank and is holding a talk in Treacy's West County Hotel in Ennis on Thursday at 7:30pm. Speaking in advance of the event, she says rhetoric alone won't have any meaningful effect on the plight of people in Gaza.

A European Election Candidate claims ensuring Ireland's political and military neutrality on the international stage will be among her chief priorities if elected. It comes amid growing concern for Ireland's security capacity with growing tensions in the Middle-East, while in Ukraine a further thirteen people were killed in the latest Russian airstrike just this morning. The Government has committed to recruiting an additional 2,000 defence forces personnel by 2028, but the Irish Military currently ranks as the 94th smallest armed forces in the world. Labour's Niamh Hourigan says domestic security must be prioritised.

Kilrush Basketball Club is continuing to grow in popularity, with increasing numbers of girls and boys playing the sport in the wider area. Recent weeks have seen the club compete in finals and capture silverware, the most recent being the U16 girls who were crowned Clare Area League and Cup champions. Clare FM's Derrick Lynch spoke with club coaches Susan Bermingham and Paul McGibney to find out more.

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tommy Corbett from Carey Corbett Financial Solutions This week, Tommy provided Alan and our Morning Focus listeners with advice on the new Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme.

Mary Taylor, who is from Kilkee, recently spent time in University Hospital Limerick with a serious illness, an experience during which she says she “honestly thought she was going to die in there alone and scared”. To find out more about what happened, Alan Morrissey spoke with Mary who shared her story on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign's Clare Branch is hosting a talk in Ennis with Maire Ni Mheibhric as their guest speaker. The event is due to take place at Treacy’s West County Hotel on Thursday evening the 18th of April, at 7:30pm. Máire, a human rights monitor who recently returned from the West Bank, joined Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Finbarr MacGabhann via Facebook

A Clare TD believes confidence in University Hospital Limerick will be completely undermined if an upcoming report doesn't result in reform at the facility. It comes as the Health Minister has confirmed former Chief Justice Frank Clarke's report into the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston will be published by the end of May this year. The 16-year-old passed away on a trolley at the Dooradoyle facility in 2022 due to sepsis complications after a 12-hour wait in the emergency department, and the HSE stated at the beginning of January that the report into her care at the facility would be published within eight weeks. Scariff Independent TD Michael McNamara claims the HSE is intent on effecting change at the facility based on the findings of the report.

A call has been made for a crisis helpline to be established to prevent illegal encampments following a new incident in Ennis. Last Tuesday, a household pulled its caravan on to the green area in the Clancy Park Housing Estate and has remained in situ since, despite being issued with notices by Clare County Council under both the roads and housing acts. The local authority had been requested to erect concrete bollards on the green after receiving a tip-off the previous day, but it's understood there was reluctance as a Garda presence was required. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy says local residents are being terrorised.

The Simon Community's new Locked Out of the Market report has found there were only 38 properties within the discretionary rate of the Housing Assistance Payment available nationwide last month. In addition, 10 out of the 16 areas surveyed had no HAP properties available for rent. Regional Manager for Emergency Accommodation at Midwest Simon, Jonathan Shinnors claims his organisation is having difficulty recruiting young staff because so many people are emigrating due to not being able to find housing.

The mental health of Clare's young people is said to be taking a hit because there's "nowhere to rent" and "nowhere to buy". A new report from the National Youth Council of Ireland has found that housing and the cost of living are the issues of most concern to young people in this country. Following extensive surveying of people between the ages of 18 and 29 nationwide, the National Youth Council of Ireland has published 'State of our Young Nation" report. The findings show, arguably unsurprisingly, that housing and the rising cost of living are the greatest for concerns for young people, having been cited by 76% and 62% respectively. At 48%, almost half of participants are dissatisfied with their current housing situations, while more than half have experienced an increase in their rental or mortgage payments in the last year. The latest RTB figures show the average rent for a new tenancy in Clare has risen by almost 20% to €1,145 in the space of a year and there are currently just 18 properties to rent here on Daft.ie. While, the average price from a home in this county is up by nearly 10% to €256,174. Ardnacrusha native and Fianna Fáil local election Rachel Hartigan believes supply needs to be rapidly increased to address the scarcity of places for young people to live. The Simon Community's new Locked Out of the Market report has found there were only 38 properties within the discretionary rate of the Housing Assistance Payment available nationwide last month. In addition, 10 out of the 16 areas surveyed had no HAP properties available for rent. Regional Manager for Emergency Accommodation at Midwest Simon, Jonathan Shinnors claims his organisation is having difficulty recruiting young staff because so many people are emigrating due to not being able to find housing.

The Search is underway for Clare's young community leaders who've overcome adversity to make their locality a better place. It follows the launch of the annual Clare Garda Division Youth Awards for 2024 in partnership with Shannon Airport. The awards are designed to recognise the outstanding efforts of 13 to 21 Year-Olds across individual, group, community safety and special achievement categories, with the closing date for nominations set at May 10th. Inspector Ronan McMahon outlines the ideal candidates judges are looking for.

On this week’s History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author Colm Liddy to talk about early Christianity in Ireland. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm.

Five fines have been issued in Clare so far this year for dogs on the restricted breeds list not wearing muzzles. As of last November, dog warden can issue €300 fines to owners of restricted dogs who don't muzzle their pets, as well as those who don't have a dog license or whose dogs attack sheep. The current list of restricted breeds in Ireland includes American pit bull terriers, rottweilers, Staffordshire bull terriers and Doberman pinschers. Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says the onus is on owners to keep their dogs under control if they don't want to be slapped with a financial penalty.

To discuss the latest in the entertainment world, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Colum McGrath, on Tuesday’s Morning Focus. This week, Colum discussed music festivals such as Coachella, Electric Picnic & more!