On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke had a word with Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience who reflected on their campaign for the New 7 Wonders of the World
She thanked everyone who voted and supported them and the benefits they have already accrued from the campaign and the publicity
Motorways are described as the safest roads we can travel on but since the weekends’ horrific crash on Britain’s M which claimed 7 lives in a major pile up, we’re being warned that when something goes wrong on a motorway – it can go horribly wrong.
North and West MEP Jim Higgins believes an accident similar to the M5 tragedy could just as easily happen here in Ireland due to speed, tail gating and other bad behaviour on our motorways and he’s calling on the Road Safety Authority to promote greater awareness of motorway driving among the general public
I’ve been speaking to Jim Higgins who – like many of us – said he watched news reports of the M5 crash in horror
The MEP, a member of the European Parliament Transport Committee said that motorists needed to ensure there was a safe distance kept between themselves and the vehicle in front
The MEP said that one possible solution might be to paint strips on the side of the road where the hard shoulder is, as they do in France
We had the final installment of our Winter Ready Week advice for listeners
Sean Ward, Senior Engineer with Water Services at Clare County Council discussed:
What steps should be taken in unoccupied houses during freezing weather?
Best way to prevent water tank and pipes freezing in attics?
What to do on heating systems when a pipe burst? Open fires with back boilers – should fires be lit when there is a loss of water supply?
Adrian Brooks, County Secretary of the Irish Farmers Association had some advice for listeners
What preventative measures can be taken for water supplies in sheds and outdoor troughs?
What to do if a milking machine freezes?
Transporting of feed around farms – what is the best approach?
Mary Burke, Senior Executive Chemist with Clare County Council covered
Septic tanks systems – what to do, what not to do, what to expect afterwards?
Oil tanks – what impact can cold weather have, what precautions can be taken?
Private wells and possible contamination issues
Avoiding contact with floodwater particularly on single house sites – why?
Have your say on the Clare FM’s online poll:
Should Christmas Music be banned in Shops before December?
• Yes – it’s started way too soon this year
• Yes – it’s wrong, when money is so tight
No – I can’t wait until Christmas!
• No – We could do with some Christmas Cheer!
Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station appealed for information in Garda Focus
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
The Money Doctor John Lowe joined us and discussed the ongoing controversy regarding some banks reluctance to pass on interest rates decreases to mortgage holders
As always the Money Doctor was happy to answer listeners personal finance questions
www.themoneydoctor.ie
Bord Gáis Energy partnered with the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) ran ‘Kid Wind’ – a four day renewable energy training course for secondary school teachers
The programme was primarily targeted at science, maths and geography teachers. Workshops focused on specific lessons from basic turbine system concepts to the impact on wildlife and economics
Participating teachers were prepared to teach students about blade analysis, blade design and wind resource assessment, amongst other topics
The teachers were also presented with a wind turbine model building kit which they can construct in the classroom to demonstrate to their students
John Sims, teacher with Mary Immaculate Schoo, Lisdoonvarna attended the course and discussed what they learned.
John Murphy, Chairman of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John to answer your bird and wildlife queries
To get in touch with the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
