Garda stations in Quin, Inagh, Lahinch, Broadford, Mountshannon, Doonbeg, Kilmihil and Labasheeda are set to be among the 100 stations nationwide which will close their doors next year
It’s also been announced that the current number of 4 Garda Districts in the Clare Garda Division will fall to 2
On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Willie Gleeson, President of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors who said the public will suffer as a result of further Garda Station closures, while service delivery from their members will be greatly affected
Gerry Quinn of the Mountshannon Community Council voiced the community’s concerns and he also spoke with Lahinch Community Council Chairperson Donoch O’Loughlin and Joe Cooney, Fine Gael Councillor in Bodyke.
The Government announced in Wednesday’s Budget that there would be a 19% cut, worth €325, to the Respite Care Grant.
75,000 full-time carers will be affected by the reduction, which is expected to save the Exchequer €26m next year
Family carers are frightened and angry- many family carers are dependent on the Respite Care Grant, not just for a break, but to pay essential bills
Brigid Barron, Caring for Carers- Innovation Manager, discussed this cut and its affects
John also spoke with Lissycasey mother Cathy Burke spoke about being a carer for her son.
Contact Caring for Carers on 065 6866515 or see www.caringforcarers.ie
Meanwhile, today at 12 noon family carers will stage a protest in Ennis – organiser Niamh Daly who carers for her daughter spoke with John.
“Shannon Businesses for Affordable Rates” will make a presentation to Clare county Councillors ahead of their Monday meeting at Shannon Airport concerning the level of rates businesses in the county have to pay
Pat Kelly – Manager – Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon – joined John in studio
He is giving the presentation on Monday and is hoping other business people will go along to support him and show how much of an issue this is for them.
GP Dr Maire Finn joined John for our health slot and spoke about indigestion and ulcers
Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Friday for more medical advice. You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email [email protected], but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick are offering listeners of morning focus the opportunity to win an end of week prize of a Table of 10 people at Their Christmas Party Night on Saturday 22nd December
The prize includes, Sumptuous 5 course Meal followed by Entertainment by James Sexton Entertainment featuring, "Disco Fever", & DJ – today we annouced the winner!
Each Christmas the Light up a Memory tree becomes an inspiring beacon of remembrance and reflection that lights up the grounds of Milford Care Centre
The ceremony is taking place on Sunday at 6.00pm as Pat Quinlan, CEO – Milford Hospice, explained.
There is a Remembrance Service Sunday at 4.30pm in Ennis Cathedral for bereaved parents of babies
This follows a fundraiser (Rainbows of Remembrance) in August which was a huge success
Earlier this year John interview Laura O Connor who lost her son Gavin
Louise Brooks is a volunteer photographer with Feileacain, spoke with John and encouraged people to attend.
The official opening of Kilbaha Playground is taking place this Sunday at 12 noon
Santa Claus will perform the ceremony and there’ll be sweets for children so parents are urged to bring them along
The entire project took a year to complete and cost just under €120k as Ailish Connolly explained.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
