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The lack of progress on finding a safe solution to a notorious junction on the outskirts of Ennis has been described as "frustrating". It follows a motion raised by Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard at this month's meeting of the Ennis Municipal District to the junction where traffic emerges from the Shanaway Road onto the Lahinch Road. Clare County Council has confirmed it's working with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to implement a raised pedestrian crossing as an interim safety intervention, and is "progressing a preliminary design" for an eventual mini roundabout at the junction. Councillor Howard says the issue is particularly pressing because of the speed at which motorists emerge from Shanway Road.

In this week's Beyond Belief Fr Brendan Quinlivan has a special guest, Fr. Eamonn Kelly LC, Kilkeedy Parish (Tubber and Boston) who currently works and ministers in Magdala on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He shares the story of his life and ministry and reflects on the impact that the current conflict has had on people in his care. Fr Brendan also talks to a Tanzanian priest who is working in Thurles with the Pallotine Fathers and is currently visiting parishes in the Killaloe Diocese to make the annual mission.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer on the Day of Pentecost 19th May 2024.

It's claimed Government negligence to invest in Clare's roads and community facilities has diluted opportunities in the tourism market for accommodation providers. It comes as one third of hotel and b&b beds here are being used to house either Ukrainian refugees or International Protection Applicants. There are now 789 International Protection Applicants living in Clare, which is an increase of 40% in the past year. Kilkee based Independent Ireland local election candidate Kevin Hassett claims enhanced infrastructure is needed to develop a county proud to promote tourism.

Safety information billboards could be installed at Clare's beaches this summer. The local authority is considering the approach after a request to provide signage at all green flag and blue flag bathing areas to display daily updated information for visitors. The billboards would show emergency numbers, low and high tide times, swimming conditions, the sunburn index and lifeguard hours of operation. Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says the measure will be crucial to safety in peak season.

Ahead of Monday's Munster MHC final clash with Cork, Clare FM's Derek Dormer spoke with Clare coaches Donal Moloney and Damien O'Halloran along with player Harry Doherty to look ahead to game.

Three Clare communities will benefit from a Government fund aimed at addressing challenges such as dereliction and vacancy. Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has today announced €680,000 will go to to 68 towns nationwide under the Town Centre First Town Team Support Fund. Clarecastle, Lisdoonvarna and Tulla will each receive €10,000 to either support existing Town Teams or develop teams where they are not already established. Clarecastle Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that today's announcement is the first step on a long road towards building a better future for the fishing village.

Hope has been expressed that the green space at Waterpark Campus in Drumbiggle can be preserved and repurposed for community use. Clare County Council recently withdrew plans to construct a 122 space car park at the site, but has since confirmed its intention to resubmit an ammended application, following engagement with residents, Councillors and the public. A petition of local residents objecting to the development garnered almost 500 signatures during the initial planning process, with strong criticism mounted over the potential loss of a valuable recreational area and biodiversity habitat. Ennis Fianna Fáil local election candidate Antoinette Baker Bashua says the amenity must be developed for the best interests of the community.

A former Mayor of Shannon who's called time on his 25-year career in local politics says having no party affiliation has been both a blessing and a curse. Shannon Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn has announced he won't be running in the upcoming local election, having first been elected to Shannon Town Council in 1999 while a member of Fine Gael. The Miltown Malbay native played a central role in securing €27 million in Government funding for the Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme in 2018, and made national headlines one year later when he was re-elected to Clare County Council only by having more first preference votes than fellow candidate Garret McPhillips. Councillor Flynn says being an Independent representative forced him to think on his feet and stay in tune with the issues of the day.

The head of East Clare Tourism believes accommodation supply must "catch up" if tourism in the region is to flourish. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park has declared its intention to become Ireland's number one visitor attraction by 2027, with a 150-seater restaurant due to open at the site by Christmas this year. A five-bed residency at Knappogue Castle and Gardens is due to be brought on stream this July and is expected to be "at five-star standard". General Manager of East Clare Tourism, Stephen Hanley says while his department is doing what it can, it's up to Clare County Council to push for more bed capacity.

This week on ‘Ours To Protect’, we hear what will be happening in Clare for National Biodiversity Week which begins today Friday, May 17th. Pat Flynn has been speaking with Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer with Clare County Council.

It is time for the fourteenth episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Village Tour, where Alan Morrissey paid a visit to O’Briens Bridge. 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.

Next Monday is International Clinical Trials Day. To mark the occasion, Cancer Trials Ireland is hosting a public webinar on cancer clinical trials. The webinar will hear from an oncologist on the importance of cancer trials, along with a patient on their experience of taking part. To find out more about this, Seamus Cotter, an Ennis native and the chair of the Irish Lung Cancer Community, joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. After taking part in a clinical trial for cancer, Seamus Cotter received the all-clear and was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

New regulations will require e-scooters to be safe, roadworthy and must not "endanger, impede, or inconvenience the driver, other road users, or members of the public". Children under the age of 16 using electric scooters in a public place is to be prohibited starting next Monday. Under the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations: - The ordinary speed limit for an electric scooter on all public roads is 20km per hour. - Using an e-scooter to carry more than one person at the same time will also be prohibited. It says an electric scooter should not be fitted with a seat. - The regulations also include strict requirements around braking and lighting. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey spoke with superintendent Eddie Golden of the Clare Tipperary Roads Policing Unit, who is welcoming the legislation. Alan was also joined by Claire Cassidy from Ennis, who’s visually impaired and involved with the Disability Advocacy Group; the National Council of the Blind.

A highly-anticipated infrastructural project in East Clare is due to begin its phased opening later this year. The Killaloe Bypass, which will provide an alternative route to the west of the town, is expected to be operational by the final quarter of 2024. Works are expected to conclude on the Shannon Bridge Crossing, which will be roughly 1km south of the existing Killaloe Bridge, between January and March of next year, while the completion of the existing R494 regional road between Ballina and Birdhill in mid-2025 will see the project finished. Project Liason and Clare County Council Civil Engineer Padraic Cullen says a key advantage of the new road will be the segregation of cyclists and motorists.

It's claimed a balance between community and tourism investment is urgently needed in West Clare. Currently the settlements of Mullagh and Urban Kilrush are listed among the Top 100 in Pobal's deprivation index. It's raised concern locally over a lack of visitor opportunities to stimulate economic activity in areas that don't feature on the Wild Atlantic Way. Mullagh based Fine Gael local election candidate Theresa Doohan says new amenities must be developed to attract footfall.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch speaks with Clare's David Fitzgerald after he was named the PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Month for March

A state owned commercial building in Shannon that had been tipped for use as International Protection Applicant Accommodation will be repurposed. The Department of Transport has confirmed that Unit 153 in the Shannon Business Park will become the site of its new vehicle registration and motor tax office. Previously, plans had been drawn up to provide up to 70 bedrooms in the building, but in the coming months it will instead be fitted out for driver and vehicle computer services. Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the facility was wholly unsuitable for Asylum Seekers.

A protest taking place in Ennis this weekend will push for greater community consultation on a development which organisers of the demonstration have deemed "insane". A group of retailers, local representatives and community activists are highlighting their opposition to the proposed Abbey Street development as part of the Ennis 2040 Spatial and Economic Strategy. The 'Save Ennis Town' Group, which was formed last May, will be holding the demonstration on Saturday afternoon from 2 o'clock in the Square in Ennis. A key bugbear of the group is the proposed construction of multi-storey mixed-use development on the Abbey Street Car Park, which it's claimed will lead to a loss of a vital civic space, as well as much-needed car parking spaces. According to Ennis 2040 DAC, the development will consist of "a large retail space at ground and first floor levels together with office accommodation on the upper floors" in a building which will "respect and integrate with the existing historical development of Ennis". Save Ennis Town spokesperson and Travel Counsellor, Gearoid Mannion believes there's a risk the building could be left vacant due to a lack of demand. Just last week, Mayor of Ennis Pat Daly suggested an arbitrator figure "like Henry Kissinger" could be brought in to act as an intermediary between Ennis 2040 board members, local representatives and concerned citizens. In a statement to Clare FM, Clare County Council says because the Ennis 2040 plans were voted on by councillors, the project is "a product of thorough deliberation and consultation, designed to meet the evolving needs of our town over the next 16 years". On the Abbey Street Development, the statement says the focus is "to increase town centre footfall by developing business and retail opportunities that will complement the town’s existing offering" AND "it is anticipated 142 permanent jobs will be created" once construction is completed. Save Ennis Town spokesperson and owner of Custy's Music Shop John O'Connor feels the will of the people is being ignored.

Clare's longest ever serving politician insists preventing the decline of rural Ireland should be the greatest priority for future governments, as his career comes to a conclusion. PJ Kelly attended his final meeting of Clare County Council on Monday after a fifty year tenure, which spanned ten council terms and 114 colleagues. The Lissycasey Fianna Fáil veteran was first elected in 1974 and in his most recent contest in 2019, he topped the pole in West Clare after exceeding the quota by 500 votes on the first count. Cllr Kelly says that for communities to benefit most going forward, power needs to be stripped from Dublin and given to local authorities.

One of Ireland's longest running food festivals makes a return in North Clare this weekend. The Burren Slow Food Festival makes its anticipated return this Sunday at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna, with the theme of "Wellness in the Burren" It offers a wide variety of nutritious cullinary delights ranging from artisanal cheeses to freshly caught seafood alongside their respective local producers to share stories behind their products. The festival includes a selection of free diverse yoga classes for all ages and Instructor at Limestone Yoga, Colette Nagel says the festival will be the perfect day out for mind and body.

To talk about metabolic health and why it is so important, on Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Smaranda Maier. Smaranda is the owner and Founder of Authentic Health, a Qualified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with a Background in Healthcare. Cooking for life masterclass, which focuses on metabolic health, is taking place on the 25th of May, in Bia Innovator, Athenry. To find out more visit: https://smaranda-maier.mykajabi.com/25th-may-metabolic-health?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR23tezzKYu0l8jnhaKXGZ-fd3Miq2w3QG7oMaRsxtv9Vk6srq45qL6NVL0_aem_AXokcFo1yezhdSpOVg4kA1jjR7sNm7qOswoYviT8CKpc6Hkk1ZPTezr6dqadZESII2-C7UhBNWYtcq7wk962xzcV or Whatsapp Smaranda on 085 196 8088.

On Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to Clinical Child Psychologist, Dr. Toby Sachsenmaier about Neurodiversity.

On ‘Clare Women in Business ‘ this week, Pat Flynn chats the founder/owner of the Shannon Estuary Way Retreat and Academy Rosie McMahon.

Lark in Ennis, which aims to be the premier summer camp in Ireland for adult players of traditional Irish music, will begin with orientation this coming Sunday, the 19th of May with classes starting on Monday, the 20th of May. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Danese Cooper, Organiser of Lark in Ennis.

Noel McInerney is a filmmaker from Killaloe. He has worked in the film industry over the past six years, rubbing shoulders with some Hollywood heavy hitters. Noel has directed a short film, called Baps and Buns, which won an award at this year’s Chicago Irish Film Festival. He is now taking Baps and Buns to the Fastnet Film Festival in Cork! To tell us more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Noel McInerney live in studio.

The US Justice Department told a federal judge on Tuesday that Boeing has violated a settlement that allowed it to avoid criminal prosecution after those two deadly crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft. To find out how significant a development this is, On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Naoise Ryan.

Over €1.2m in funding has been secured for the development of two affordable housing schemes in Ennis. The grant will support the delivery of 11 homes at Acha Bhile on the Lahinch Road by the end of the year and a further 10 homes at Doire na mBláth on the Tulla Road by June 2025. The properties will be sold at rates beginning at €280,000, but as they're affordable units, the local authority will retain up to a 22% stake , which will have to be repaid within forty years. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy says it's a step in the right direction.

The Department of Integration has confirmed it's considering an offer of accommodation for International Protection Applicants at the Abbey Hostel. It comes almost two weeks after 50 Ukrainian refugees, residing at the Ennis Hostel for up to two years, received letters from the Department, telling them to prepare for relocation. Some of these residents have been living in the town and attending local schools since the outbreak of war in 2022 and according to the Department, they will all be transferred by the 24th of this month. Scariff Independent TD Michael McNamara fears people will be uprooted from their new communities.

A decision by the council executive to defer a meeting of the Ennis 2040 board has been slammed by an outgoing public representative. Ennis 2040 DAC, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Corrigan was due to appear before the council on Monday, but the engagement was cancelled by Council CEO Pat Dowling as it clashed with the visit of Minister Heather Humphrey's. Councillors expressed concern the meeting would not take place until after the local elections, but it has since been rescheduled for next Wednesday. Former Mayor of Ennis and Fine Gael Councillor Johnny believes the episode was an erosion of democracy.

Clare's Shane O'Donnell insists the squad are taking nothing for granted ahead of this weekend's pivotal clash with Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. The Banner come into the contest with no new injury concerns after a three-week respite from their second round victory over Cork in Páirc Uí Caoimh, and needing a win to boost their hopes of qualification. Waterford currently lie second in the round-robin table and will be searching for their first provincial victory over Clare since 2016. Eire Óg clubman and GAA Hurler of the month for April, O'Donnell says their only focus is the task that lies ahead. Throw in on Sunday is at 2pm in Cusack Park with commentary on Clare FM with Matt Waters Clare fruit and Veg Market Turnpike Road and Healy’s Spar and Off-licence Turnpike, Ennis

A Clare business fears new supports for small and medium enterprises are merely "plugging a hole" in the short-term. Grants of up to 5,000 euro for small retail and hospitality firms are among a package of supports announced for small retail and hospitality firms today.

There's a push for the level of public transport connectivity at Shannon Airport to be brought in line with that of other international airports. Clare County Council is currently engaging with Irish Rail on the possibility of including a rail stop at Shannon Airport in the Ennis to Limerick service. The National Transport Authority has also recently put forward a proposal to split the 343 bus service into four separate routes, with three of these serving Shannon Airport. Ardnacrusha native and Fianna Fáil local election candidate Rachel Hartigan says improving public transport accessibility at the Midwest base is crucial to econimic growth in this region.

A countywide series of mental health promotion events are taking place across Clare this afternoon. As part of the nationwide 'Hello How Are You' campaign, launched by Iarnróid Eireann and Mental Health Ireland, communities will be encouraged to reconnect in safe spaces to promote open connversations on health and well-being. This afternoon, the Clare Local Development Company will be inviting members of the public to attend its function at the Old Ground Hotel from 2 o'clock until 5. CLDC Social Inclusion Coordinator Darina Greene outlines what people can expect.

On this week’s Sport in Focus, we are taking a trip to Cooraclare to the West Clare Sports and Fitness Club. The club boasts a cross county running course along with a covered sprinting track, with plans in the pipeline for further development in the coming months. Clare FM's Derrick Lynch spoke with club secretary Dermot Galvin and treasurer Geraldine Donnellan 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 how to recognise financial fraud.

The Cliffs of Moher will play host to a special charity event later this month, where much needed funds will be raised for three County Clare organisations. Sláinte an Chláir, Brothers of Charity Services Clare and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) Clare Branch have been chosen as the beneficiaries of the Cliffs of Moher Charity Fun Day. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Melanie Lennon, Sales and Marketing Manager at the Cliffs of Moher Experience and Clare Tourism West & Northwest and Deirdre Fahey, a breeding dog volunteer for the Irish Guide dogs for the Blind, Clare Branch.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day will take place this Sunday. There are approximately 40,000 people in Ireland living with inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sarah O’Connor, from Crusheen who has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease to discuss World IBD day. Picture (c) worldibbday.org

The Taoiseach insists forward planning is taking place with regard to healthcare bed capacity in the Midwest. It's over a month since the Health Minister announced up to 25 step-down beds would be brought on stream in Clare between July and September of this year but the tender for this project remains open. No clarification has been given from the Government or the HSE as to why Cahercalla Community Hospital was initially named as the location of these beds despite the facility claiming to have no knowledge of any such plans. Responding to Scariff Independent TD Michael McNamara in the Dáil, Taoiseach Simon Harris admits increased capacity and improved governance and management are of pivotal importance in this region.

Clare County Council is set to review its procurement policy following a motion inspired by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It follows the formation of a new protest group here, BDS Clare, which has launched a campaign urging local stores to discontinue carrying Israeli products and register as Apartheid Free Zones. Over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7th according to the Gazan Health Ministry, while in the past week the UN estimates over 450,000 civilians have fled the border town of Rafah. Maghera based Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes says the local authority must ensure it's not investing in countries responsible for human rights violations.

The Pope has nominated a Killaloe Priest as Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan. Monsignor Séamus Horgan, who will be based in the city of Juba, is also appointed by Pope Francis to the titular See of Árd Sratha - Ardstraw, CoTyrone. A native of Tobarteascáin near St. Flannan’s College where he completed his secondary schooling, Monsignor Horgan entered St Patrick’s College Maynooth in 1987 before being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Harty in 1994 at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis. Commenting on the appointment, Bishop of Killaloe Dr. Fintan Monahan said, "I warmly congratulate Monsignor Séamus Horgan on his appointment by Pope Francis to be Nuncio to South Sudan based in the city of Juba. He is also appointed to the titular See of Árd Sratha - Ardstraw, County Tyrone." Bishop Monahan continued, "Monsignor Horgan brings a wealth of pastoral and practical experience with him to his new role. A conscientious, diligent and prayerful pastor, his engagement with people is marked with great kindness and courtesy. He served with distinction in his appointments at local level in Bodyke and Roscrea in the diocese and in his various appointments since he entered the diplomatic service." "I wish Monsignor Horgan every good wish and blessing in his important role and assure him of the prayers of the faithful of Killaloe Diocese,” added Bishop Monahan. “At this time there are three Apostolic Nuncios, originally from Ireland, in active diplomatic service for the Universal Church - and here in Killaloe we are very proud of the fact that two of them are natives of our diocese." St. Flannan’s College Principal Fr. Iggy McCormack said, “This episcopal appointment is a tremendous honour for Monsignor Séamus and for our school. We are very proud of what he has achieved in his ministry to date during which time he has served as Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciatures in Kampala, Berne and Manila, as well as working at the Secretariat of State in Rome from 2015 to 2020 before assuming his current role in the United States." "This is the first time in many decades that a Papal Nuncio has emanated from our alumni. The students and staff of St Flannan’s College wish Monsignor Séamus the very best for the future," added Fr. McCormack. Following six years of pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Killaloe Diocese, Monsignor Séamus Horgan was sent to Rome 2000 for further studies. After completing a Licence in Canon Law (Pontifical Gregorian University), he joined the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome to prepare for the service of the Holy See. In 2008 he was appointed a Chaplain of His Holiness and in 2019 a Prelate of Honour. Monsignor Horgan speaks English, Italian & French and has a working knowledge of German.

On this week’s History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author Colm Liddy to talk about the 1400s and castles 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.

An MEP for this region claims the European Union should be held responsible for prolonging Wars in Ukraine in Gaza. It comes as a new front has opened in the North-East of the country after Russian troops were able to make territorial advances due to delays in western military aid reaching Ukraine. While on March 1st, 393 of the 543 sitting MEPs voted against an Israeli arms embargo proposed by the left group. Ireland South Independents 4 Change MEP Mick Wallace believes the EU is not serving the best interests of its people.

Clare dog owners are being reminded it only takes 10 minutes for a dog to die if left in a car. The County Dog Warden was alerted to a situation in recent days in which two dogs were left in the back of a van for a lengthy period of time in 23-degree heat. Dogs that are overweight, of advanced age or have lung or heart disease are especially at risk of heat stroke or death as their respiratory systems are already suppressed. Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says dog owners need to be aware that their pets can do little to fend off extreme heat when locked in a vehicle.

Controversy over GAA GO continues, with Simon Harris now entering the debate. The Taoiseach remarked that the GAA have "gotten this wrong", while Tánaiste Micheál Martin said "I've huge concerns about it, I don't understand it, in terms of the promotion of the game of hurling”. The Taoiseach was among those criticising the streaming service in the aftermath of last weekend’s classic Munster Hurling Championship clash between Cork and All-Ireland champions Limerick, which was available only on GAA GO. To discuss this further Alan Morrissey spoke with Derrick Lynch, Clare FM Sports Editor. Rory Hickey, Clare FM Football Analyst and Timmy Dooley, Clare member of the Oireachtas Media Committee Senator on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

Ger Staunton will be bringing his unique brand of comedy to Clare this summer. The stand-up comedian and actor, hailed as “one of the best comedy writers in Ireland” by the International Comedy Club, will perform at Glór on the 6th of July, in what will be his first-ever show in the Banner County. Alan Morrissey was joined by Comedian and Actor, Ger Staunton on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Picture (c) Glór.ie

Micheál Garrihy from Lisdoonvarna has recently graduated from a US college, where he was on a soccer scholarship. Micheál, who was also awarded Student Athlete of the Year, joined Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus.

You will have heard Colum McGrath reference a very scary incident involving his children on the Breakfast Show on Monday. Colum took his daughter and youngest son, along with a friend of his daughter swimming in Lahinch over the weekend. However, what should have been a lovely day out at the beach for all concerned almost ended in unspeakable tragedy, only for the help of some alert surfers. It has raised the issue once again of lifeguards at Clare’s beaches. To tell us what happened, Colum McGrath joined Alan Morrissey on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Alan was also joined on the line by Richard Brangwyn, a Lahinch Surf Instructor, Liam Grant, a Lahinch Green Party Councillor & Former Lifeguard and Ollie O’Flaherty, Owner of Ollie’s Surf Academy in Lahinch.

Clare County Council is calling on the Government to address the "huge failures" of reconfiguration and the HSE in the MidWest. It’s after a proposal was passed with cross-party support at this week’s meeting of elected representatives; just four days after the Department of Health announced a review to determine if a second Emergency Department is needed in the region. HSE MidWest Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick is due to appear before the council next Monday for an in-camera workshop to discuss local service deficits. Shannon Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn says the HSE must recognise that serious action is needed here now.

It's predicted Clare's primary schools will have to ramp up their fundraising efforts due to cuts to their funding from Government. The Department of Education has announced that the annual grant for primary schools has been cut by €16 per pupil - down from €96 to just €80. It comes one year on from the roll-out of the free schoolbooks scheme which was introduced for all primary school students for the 2023/24 year, meaning over 563,000 benefitted. Clare INTO representative Brendan Horan suspects the Government hasn't thought about the long term repercussions cutting funding will have on certain schools.

Avenue's Conor Mullen After Winning CDSL Premier Division Title

The Minister for Rural and Community Development predicts a major funding boost will make an East Clare town a more attractive place to live, work and invest in. As part of a €164 million funding announcement today, Scariff has been granted over €8.7 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The allocation will go towards the almost €11 million Scariff Integrated Rural Regeneration Project, which will see the renovation of an existing vacant building as a community and enterprise hub, as well as the enhancement of the Market Square. Speaking at the launch of the newly-refurbished Loop Head Lighthouse Visitor Experience today, Minister Heather Humphreys has been telling Clare FM’s Seán Lyons the Government is committed to addressing vacancy and dereliction throughout rural Ireland.

A Clare developer is predicting a major change in building practices in order to stem the housing crisis. It follows a recent report, which found Ireland's competitiveness is at risk, due to the current state of the property market.

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrisssey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan. This week, Tom gave listeners advice on plants to grow in shaded areas. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or Whatsapp to 086 1800 964.

The Government is being criticised for dragging its heels on a major renewable energy project off Clare's coast. Under the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce plan, the state is aiming to harness 30 GW (Gigga-Watts) of offshore green energy and to create 50,000 jobs in the region by 2050. Despite being launched last year though, no projects in the Shannon Estuary Maritime area have been zoned for wind energy development. Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce Chair Barry O'Sullivan says local authorities should have the power to zone offshore sites to expedite the process.

To discuss the latest in the entertainment world, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Colum McGrath, on Monday’s Morning Focus. This week, Colum discussed the results of this year's Eurovison Song Contest and much more!

The students at St. Anne’s Community College in Killaloe are hosting their inaugural arts and music festival later this week. The Fresh Eyes Festival, which will take place on Thursday (16th May), is a youth led arts and music festival that has been organised by and is being run by the college’s Transition Year students. To find out more about the event, Alan Morrissey spoke with students Aisling O'Connor and Sara Lancaster.

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to William Cahir of Cahir & Co. Solicitors, in our weekly legal slot. This week, William provided some advice on family law & pre-nuptial agreements.

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the emotional well-being of parents before, during, and after pregnancy. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Petrina O’Halloran, the founder of Mama's Boobie Box, mum blogger and writer for online magazine Boobingit.com. Alan was also joined by Lisa Joyce, Gentle Birth Instructor and pregnancy yoga teacher and Christine Lane, Nurse & Midwife and Clinical Governance expert in Women's Health and Menopause Coach.

Clare's IFA Chair is confident new funding supports could soon come on stream following a response issued by the EU to Clare County Council. The local authority wrote to EU Commissioner Ursula Von Der Leyen in April demanding that no further regulations be placed on farmers along with stand-alone funding for biodiversity initiatives on farms. In response, the Commissioner's Office confirmed it would continue to monitor the position of farmers in this county and that it "may consider additional proposals." Feakle farmer and Clare IFA Chair Stephen Walsh fears there will be a food crisis if the sector is not supported.

It's claimed Uisce Eireann is not displaying any sense of urgency when it comes to legacy sewerage deficits in North Clare. In recent months, housing developments in both Ennistymon and Lahinch have been put on hold due to inadequate wastewater capacity in the region. The preferred option for Uisce Eireann is to enhance the capacity of the existing Lahinch treatment plant and an indicative completion date has been set for the final quarter of 2029. But Ennistymon Labour local election candidate Denis Vaughan believes the matter is not being treated as a priority issue by the utility.

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On this week's Atlantic Tales Pat Flynn visits the Caher Valley in the Burren in North Clare where Carl Wright has created the most magnificent garden in what was once dense hazel and blackthorn scrub and an area with little or no soil.

It's been suggested a masterplan for a south-east Clare village would pave the way for funding and growth opportunities in the years to come. As of the most recent Census, Newmarket-on-Fergus has a population of 1,887, making it the fifth largest area in the county. Sixmilebridge and Kilrush have both benefitted from the Department of Community and Rural Development's Town Centre First Initiative, having received €100,000 and €30,000 in funding, respectively. Newmarket-on-Fergus native and Fianna Fáil local election candidate David Griffin believes having a similar plan for Newmarket-on-Fergus would open the door to endless opportunities for the community.

Uisce Eireann is confident that recent works completed across Clare will bring legacy supply issues to an end. It comes as the utility has replaced 3km of damaged water mains with new modern pipes across Ennis, Creegh in Kilrush and Ennistymon. Uisce Eireann is currently progressing with similar works on a 670m stretch in Balinoosky, Newmarket-On-Fergus that will aim to address high levels of leakage, while further projects are planned for Doonbeg and Sixmilebridge. Programme Manager Jack Cronin insists there will be long lasting benefits for local homes and businesses.

The Mayor of Ennis believes a Henry Kissinger-like figure is needed to facillitate meaningful consultation on the controversial Ennis 2040 plan. At this week's monthly meeting of representatives in the county town, Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly has raised a motion seeking a "concilitation and arbitration type process" to give greater input to individuals and community groups concerned about the future of the town. Ennis Municipal District has said in response that it's always "open to engagement with all interested stakeholders" and is "happy to discuss and engage with any individual or group with a contribution to make or an issue to raise". Councillor Daly says an inclusive discussion must be had in the interest of bringing the town forward.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer celebrating the Ascension of our Lord.

Clare County Council has confirmed it will be employing sixteen dedicated staff members to manage beaches this summer. Four of the beach operatives will have responsibility for Kilkee, Cappagh, White Strand Doonbeg, Carrigaholt and Seafield, while the other twelve will look after Lahinch, Doolin, Fanore, White Strand Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point. Their duties will include upkeep of beach facilities, litter control and assisting visitors. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy is confident it will bring major benefits for the tourist season.

The Government is being accused of punishing rural people in this county with the latest fuel tax hike. The rate of carbon tax on home heating fuels has risen by €7.50 to €56 per tonne, while natural gas customers now have to pay 1 cent extra per kilowatt hour. Based on the average annual consumption, each household will now face a carbon tax bill of €122. Westbury resident and Sinn Féin local election candidate James Ryan believes the policy doesn’t take older homes with inferior insulation into account.

There are 70 patients on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick today according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Although this is a 25% reduction on the number of people without a bed there yesterday, the level of overcrowding at UHL today is still above that of the next two busiest facilities combined. A Clare Oireachtas Health Committee Member believes the staff on the frontlines experiencing this situation on a near daily basis are best placed to advise on additional capacity in the region and must be consulted in the review. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe insists though that regardless of who's leading Leinster House next year, HIQA's recommendation must be included in the new programme for government. The Friends of Ennis Hospital is remaining firm in its view that any new emergency department must be located in this county Kilrush based Spokesperson Deirdre Culligan insists that even if it means constructing a brand-new facility, providing another ED in Tipperary or Limerick would offer no relief to patients in rural Clare. The MidWest Hospital Campaign has also been fighting for the reopening of Accident and Emergency Departments at Ennis, Nenagh and St.John's since their respective closures in 2009. Yesterday the group met with HSE MidWest Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick who is also conducting a review of emergency capacity here under the instruction of Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. Ballyvaughan based MidWest Hospital Campaign member Noeleen Moran says both reviews must be completed in a timely manner and take factors such as population age profile into account in order to be effective and ensure the construction of any new ED can happen quickly.

A Clare Oireachtas member fears "serious" violence will soon be visited upon a politician in Ireland amid a surge in harassment of public representatives. A growing numbers of TDs and senators have given accounts of abuse and threats from the public in recent weeks, leading to calls for increased security around politicians. Simon Harris, Roderick O'Gorman, Paul Murphy and Holly Cairns are just a handful of the TDs who've been subject to intimidation and threats in recent weeks. In January of this year, Social Democrats leader Deputy Cairns was forced to close her Bandon constituency office due to security concerns after previously admitting to being left "absolutely terrified" when an online stalker began appearing at her home. Just this week meanwhile, a man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of stalking Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers - an incident Gardaí have described as "sinister and disturbing". A video has emerged in recent days of Ennis Independent local election candidate Amanda Major in which the woman taking the video can be heard making race-related comments. Major says the difference between her and those who target abuse at local representatives is that she has ambitions to effect change. Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway has admitted to being a victim of harassment on five separate occasions in the last six weeks and has proposed that politicians be equipped with personal panic buttons for their own safety. In 2016 in the UK, Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death while in 2021, Conservative MP Sir David Amess was stabbed to death - both assassinations having taken place before constituency clinics. Due to the recent rise in aggression against politicians both online and in-person, Senator Conway believes it's only a matter of time before an Irish politician meets a similar fate.

An illegal dumping incident in south-east Clare has sparked renewed calls for surveillance to be installed in litter blackspots. Residents of Gallows Hill in Cratloe have been greeted this week by the sight of a mound of rubbish containing tyres, concrete blocks and various plastic items at the entrance to a popular nature amenity. 44 complaints of illegal dumping in Clare were made in April alone, bringing the total number for the year so far to 242. Following the recent introduction of legislation allowing local authorities to combat illegal dumping through CCTV and drones, Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that areas known for dumping must be monitored.

A European election candidate for this region claims climate action in Ireland is "going backwards and punching downwards" with initiatives like the Deposit Return Scheme. It comes as Re-turn, the company which operates the reverse vending machines, has revealed it's had to replace seven machines nationwide this week due to functionality issues. It's claimed the number of drinks containers being processed reached 2.39 million on Tuesday compared to just two million items over the entire month of February - the first month of the scheme. Cork City South-East Councillor and An Rabharta Glas candidate for the Ireland South Constituency, Lorna Bogue, says people need greater incentives to move towards more sustainable living practices.

This week on 'Ours To Protect', Pat Flynn visits the Burren where Caher Bridge Garden, a haven for biodiversity, was created by Carl Wright from what was once a dense hazel and blackthorn scrub.

Cuppa Tea TV are it again; with yet another great gig lined up for this weekend! The Loft, Shannon Golf Club will host a night of fantastic original music on Saturday, with a bill including SAL, David Hope and Padraig Jack. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Singer-Songwriter David Hope and Damian O’Rourke from Cuppa Tea TV.

Corofin Dramatic Society are preparing to tread the boards this weekend. They will bring the John B Keane classic ‘The Field’ to the stage at St. Patrick’s Hall in Corofin from Friday to Monday. On Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by the PRO for Corofin Dramatic Society, Mary Kelly, the Chairperson Neil Haran and Actor Martin O’Donoghue.

Clare manager Brian O'Connell speaking after his sides win over Cork in the Munster MHC

On Friday’s Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art’s Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week’s live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County. This week, Siobhán discussed Culture Night, the Irish Concertina Orchestra and much more!

The Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly, is to initiate a review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the Mid-West region. The review will determine whether a second emergency department is required, in light of a big increase in the population in recent years and ongoing pressures at the ED at University Hospital Limerick. Smaller emergency departments in the region closed when configuration happened back in 2009. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Oireachtas Health Committee member and Meelick Fianna Fail TD, Cathal Crowe and Friends of Ennis Hospital Spokesperson, Deirdre Culligan.

Growing concerns for both politicians and their staff members have led to calls for all members of the Oireachtas to be provided with personal panic buttons. This follows the recent protests outside the homes of Taoiseach Simon Harris and Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman. Justice Minister Helen McEntee was also the recipient of a hoax bomb threat, on her family home. Clare politicians and local election candidates are no stranger to these issues, either; the Ennistymon Fine Gael, Senator Martin Conway is behind the proposal that members of the Oireachtas be provided with personal panic buttons, after he was harassed on five occasions over the past six weeks, both on the street and on public transport. Meanwhile, the Independent candidate for the Local Elections, Amanda Major has been subjected to harassment while erecting election posters in Ennis. To discuss this further, on Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fine Gael Senator from Ennistymon, Martin Conway and Independent Local Election Candidate, Ennis MD, Amanda Major.

It's claimed HIQA's upcoming review into the need for a second MidWest emergency department must consider the journey times facing patients in rural Clare. The terms of reference will be finalised in the coming weeks, to allow the findings of an independent inquiry into the death of Shannon Teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick in 2022 to be taken into account. It's estimated that over 20,000 Clare patients attended the ED in UHL last year. HSE Regional Health Forum West member Kilkee Fianna Fail Councillor Cillian Murphy says the review's outcome must benefit patients in isolated areas.

Threshold supported 128 Clare households experiencing difficulties in their private rental tenancies last month. Newly published figures show interventions from the housing charity prevented 15 adults and 12 children in this county from entering homelessness in April. According to Threshold, 65% of notices to quit issued here last month, were attributed to landlords leaving the market. National Advocacy Manager Ann-Marie O'Reilly says the problem is much more prevalent in Clare than elsewhere in the country.

A 24-hour fully-serviced drop-in mental health centre is being proposed for Shannon. The suggestion comes from Independent local election hopeful Pat Barry who's described the ongoing mental health crisis in Clare as well as nationwide as "appalling". Shannon's Hope Café played host to its first mental health conference in January where Azim Khamisa, who's been celebrated by the Dalai Lama, Al Gore and Bill Clinton, as well as renowned psychotherapist Robert Carley, were guest speakers. Long-time Shannon resident Barry, who was one of the event's organisers, insists the town needs a full-time accessible mental health service.

An Ireland South Candidate in the European Elections claims the Government has created a shambolic immigration system through a failure to invest. It comes as efforts continue today to move International Protection Applications from tented encampments in Dublin City Centre - as accommodation is unavailable elsewhere. At present there are now 758 IPA's residing in Clare, which is an increase of 35% in the last year. Social Democrats candidate Susan Doyle believes the state could be managing the immigration situation much better.

A new building for Tubber National School has been granted approval by Government. The school authority submitted an application to the Department of Education in December 2022 for additional accommodation and the project has now been approved to proceed to delivery stage. The development will consist of two mainstream classrooms, a special education tuition classroom, office, reception area and staffroom. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe in the Dáil on behalf of Education Minister Norma Foley, Deputy Alan Dillon says funding will be made available in the coming days to allow the school to bring the project to the next stage.

The Parish Priest of Ennis says no words can relieve the pain of the family of an 18 month old boy, who's lost his life in a road traffic incident on the outskirts of the town. The toddler, named locally as Hunter Molloy, died in an incident involving a car shortly early yesterday afternoon, at the Ballaghboy Halting Site on the Quin Road. He was transferred to University Hospital Limerick, where he later passed away from his injuries. Fr Tom Ryan held a prayer service last night and says it's impossible for both his family and community to comprehend.

The EPA is warning that a large volume of households in Clare continue to risk human health and the environment due to faulty septic tanks. It comes as a new report by the Environmental Protection Agency has found that 55 domestic wastewater treatment systems here in this county that have failed inspections since 2013, have not been fixed. The prevailing issues include sludge discharge entering local water streams and ecosystems and potentially ending up in drinking water where households use private wells. Programme Manager of the Waste Water Enforcement Team, Noel Byrne says there are serious issues to address in Clare.

It's claimed Clare could overcome its homeless problem by accommodating people in vacant properties. At the end of March, there were approximately 79 adults along with 36 dependents in this county living in emergency accommodation. While outside of holiday homes, GeoDirectory research shows that 5,091 properties here are currently unoccupied. Clare based Uplift campaigner Leigh Brosnan believes local politician should be taking action on the issue.

It's feared this county's economy will suffer if further childcare closures are seen. It comes as the Federation of Early Childhood Providers has launced a new publication asking the Government to implement measures to protect the sector from the cost-of-living crisis. In the past two weeks alone, 28 childcare providers have indicated their intention to close their doors. This means over the last 14 months, approximately 150 nationwide providers nationwide have ceased operating. The concerns of struggling providers have been captured in a new report entitled "United We Stand" from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers. This examines the "dire" situation many members are finding themselves in and asks Government to boost the level of funding being given to the sector to insulate providers from inflationary pressures. Noel Mulderrig is the manager of the Kidz Haven creche in Shannon and will begin the process of closing his business next month. He says the greatest problem facing providers is attracting staff due to the high burnout rate coupled with more attractive offers elsewhere. It's estimated 4,855 children avail of childcare settings in Clare and in 2023, 3,807 of these benefitted from the National Childcare Scheme which aims to ease the financial burden of childcare on parents and guardians. This means that under the scheme, €7.5 million was invested in Clare alone last year. With elections around the corner, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood providers Elaine Dunne insists improving the level of support given to providers must be a political priority.

The Health Minister is to initiate a review to determine if a second Emergency Department is needed in the MidWest. HIQA has been asked to lead the review which will commence after the independent investigation by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke into the death of Shannon Teenager Aoife Johnston at UHL in December of 2022 has been published. Accident and Emergency Departments at Ennis, Nenagh and St.Johns were closed as part of a reconfiguration in 2009 which favoured a centre of excellence at University Hospital Limerick. UHL has consistently been by far the most overcrowded facility in the country since then and remains the only model four hospital in the country without a supporting model three hospital in the same community healthcare organisation area. The announcement has received a broad welcome including from the Friends of Ennis Hospital, Clare members of the Oireachtas Health Committee; Meelick TD Cathal Crowe and Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Clare Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that while he's hopeful of a positive outcome, the review must not become a distraction to providing urgent additional bed capacity across the MidWest.

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 chats with Shannon based HR and Business Consultant Elaine Ryan.

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 a delicious recipe for Pork BBQ with Mexican Kimchi (fermented cabbage).

It is time for the thirteenth episode of our newest feature on Morning Focus, Village Tour, where Alan Morrissey paid a visit to Cratloe. 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.

In addition to the more than 130 providers who have closed their doors for good since March last year, 28 childcare providers have notified parents that they intend to close over the past two weeks. Childcare providers say they feel bullied by the Department of Children. The Federation of Early Childhood Providers has launched a new publication asking the Government to boost funding and protect businesses from the cost-of-living crisis. This must be extremely worrying news for parents, childcare providers and their staff. To discuss all of this, including the implications of these closures, Alan Morrissey spoke with Noel Mulderrig, owner of creche Kidz Haven in Shannon and Elaine Dunne, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood providers. Picture (c) by wragg from Getty Images Signature via Canva

The Local and European Elections will take place in a month’s time; on Saturday, the 7th of June. To discuss the upcoming elections and to provide voter information, Alan Morrissey was joined by Art O’Leary, CEO of An Coimisiún Toghcháin on Thursday's Morning Focus. Picture (c) electoralcommission.ie

Protestors at Clare County Council buildings have called for actions instead of words from Government in relation to the ongoing bombardment of Gaza. The demonstration, which took place yesterday, was organised by a group called People of Clare Against Genocide in response to Israel's seizure of the Rafah crossing on the border between Gaza and Egypt. It comes as Rafah's largest hospital has ceased operations and the World Health Organisation is warning the city's remaining healthcare facilities only have three days of fuel left. Ennis native and People of Clare Against Genocide member Sarah Geraghty believes every councillor must urge Government representatives to take stronger action.

A long-awaited third MRI scanner for University Hospital Limerick will not be installed until 2026. Fine Gael Minister of State, Alan Dillon confirmed the news in the Seanad during a discussion over lengthy waiting lists for radiology diagnostics at UHL. Currently, there are just two scanners at the MidWest region's main hospital, but its understood that only one is operational at the moment. Inagh Green Party Senator Roisín Garvey insists the MRI deficits at Dooradoyle are directly contributing to poor patient outcomes in the ED.

Concern has been expressed that the livelihoods of West Clare residents are being severely disrupted due to persistent flooding. It comes as the local authority has been requested to carry out river widening works in the Shragh and Mountrivers areas of Doonbeg to alleviate pressure on farmers, properties and roads. Clare County Council has stated though that the Doonbeg River does not fall under it's remit or the Office of Public Work's and that therefore the possibility of remedial works going ahead is "remote". Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says central government needs to take the issue on board immediately.