On Thursdays Morning Focus Gavin was in studio for John today, he began by speaking to Catherine Shanahan author of the report in the Irish Examiner that asks the question how does your county compares when it comes to health issues? The special report reveals how your Clare fares across a variety of health issues including major diseases, infant health, problem alcohol use, suicide, access to the family doctor and medical card coverage.
Up next Gavin spoke to Michael Neenan Chairman of The Clohaninchy Action Group as they say they fear coastal protection works in the area could be years away. Over a dozen homes there were devested as a result of severe storms in January and February of this year. The Office of Public Works has written to the committee to say funding applied for by Clare County Council for a new structure is not part of the Government's programme to repair damage caused to public infrastructure by the winter's weather. Gavin also spoke to a resident in that area John O’Connor who was forced to leave his home during the storms because it flooded. The council issued a statement to Clare FM saying:
Clare County Council is awaiting a decision regarding its application for funding. While Clare County Council was advised in April that 16.8 million euro was being committed to storm repair and remediation work in County Clare, the total cost of the estimated repair and remediation works required stands at 36.8 million euro.
John Crowe also spoke to Gavin as it was hoped that the last Cabinet meeting before the summer break yesterday would deal with the issue of flood monies however it didn’t. Mayor Crowe says he’s disappointed.
Focus Ireland is calling on the Government to increase the rent supplement. It comes as the charity has seen a 25 per cent increase in the number of people seeking its support during the past year. The group helped over 10,000 people in 2013 – who were either already living on the streets – or at risk of becoming homeless. Gain spoke to Jackie Bonfield – Manger of MidWest Simon to see how the situation is here in this part of the country.
Eamon Timmons – Head of Advocacy and Communications for Age Action Ireland was next on the line. The Cabinet's agreed to a plan to ease water charges for some older people. An extra 100 euro a year will be added to the household benefits package from next January. Social Protection Minister and Tánaiste Joan Burton says it'll cost about 44 million a year. Ministers have signed off on a plan for over 70's to get free GP care. The plan was put together by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton during the recent talks on the priorities for the Government. Under 6's will get also free GP care from later this year, which will be rolled out to all other school children over the next two years. Also just a reminder that things are heating up weather wise and age action wants you to check in on our elderly neighbours.
Yvonne McNamara – South East Clare Show Secretary spoke to Gavin as the 24th Annual South East Clare Show is scheduled for Sunday, July 27th at Bridgetown Show grounds Co. Clare; only 15 minutes drive from Limerick City. A guaranteed enjoyable day out for families and friends.
Rita Mc Inerney of Doonbeg Community Development joined Gavin in studio to chat about a guided walk of the Doonbeg Loop Walks. Organised by Doonbeg Community Development, the guided walks will take place on Sunday the 27th of July as part of the Doonbeg Seafood Festival. Walkers can choose from the 20 kilometre route which commences at 11am or the 8 kilometre commencing at 12 noon. Both groups meet at Doonbeg Community Hall. The Doonbeg Loop Walks were developed by the Shannon Region Trails in association with Doonbeg Community Development. Information and directions are available on a noticeboard located at Doonbeg Church for both the 8 Km green route and the 20 km purple route.
John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio to answer listeners' livestock and pet queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
