We’ve had lots of reaction to Enda Kenny’s emotional apology to Magdalene Laundry survivors in Dail Eireann on Tuesday, with many of you moved by his response to women who had been harmed and stigmatised by a life of hard work away from their families as well as psychological and physical abuse in some cases – through no fault of their own
As Enda Kenny wept tears for Magdalene survivors – so too did many of the women themselves, including Margaret Joyce who you heard on Tuesday’s show as she called for an admission of regret and an offer of compensation from the government
Margaret is from Ballina, Killaloe but now lives in County Limerick and was sent to the Good Sheperd Convent in Limerick at the age of 11 to work in their laundry for five years of her life
Following her attendance at Dail Eireann on Tuesday John Cooke spoke with Margaret on Thursday’s Morning Focus and asked for her thoughts on Enda Kenny’s long awaited apology
For those wishing to register their intent to apply for redress please call 01 476 8649
Alternatively apply in writing to:
Magdalene Laundry Fund,
c/o The Department of Justice and Equality,
Montague Court,
Montague Street,
Dublin 2.
The EPA has published the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems 2013
The government is being urged to provide full funding to Clare homeowners who will be forced to carry out remedial works on their septic tank systems
On Tuesday the Environmental Protection Agency announced that local authorities would be carrying out 1000 septic tank inspections nationwide in the next 15 months – with fifty of them here in the county
The government has put in place a grant scheme to cover some of the costs if replacement waste water systems are required
Leo Sweeney, Manager at the Environmental Protection Agency, explained.
Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes TD joined John in studio
He is in Ennis today for the official contract signing for the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme- John also asked him about public sector pay reform and possible cuts to child benefit.
Construction work has commenced on the provision of a new Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge over the Railway adjacent to Quin Road Railway Bridge in Ennis.
The €400,000 project consists of the construction of the new bridge over the Ennis to Athenry Railway Line adjacent to the existing masonry arch bridge on the Quin Road, located immediately to the north of Ennis Railway Station
It includes four ramps at each end and connection to the existing public footpaths, while public lighting facilities will also be provided along the entire length of the new structure
It is expected that the works will be completed by late May 2013
Tom Tiernan, Senior Engineer at Clare County Council explained.
The news was welcomed by Quin Councillor Sonny Scanlon, Ennis Councillor Brian Meaney and Independent Kilnamona Councillor James Breen who has been campaigning for such a bridge for over fifteen years.
An expert group on taxation and social welfare has recommended the introduction of a two-tier child benefit system
The Mangan Report said there should be a universal child benefit payment for all, with a top-up payment for those who need it most
The group calculated that 61% of families would qualify for this second-tier payment, which would be made on a sliding scale
It has ruled out taxing child benefit, saying it would result in worse outcomes for poorer families
Catherine Joyce, Head of Advocacy at Barnardos, spoke with John.
Michele Madden of Madden’s Furniture is the new President of Ennis Chamber
She and CEO Rita McInerney joined John in studio
Michele took over the position from Brian O’Neill of The Rowan Tree and has held it for the past week
She is keen to continue the progress of the Chamber
Secondary school students from across County Clare will attend a mock road traffic incident
Actors, each portraying seriously injured traffic collision victims, will be treated by emergency services during the demonstration
Students will also be presented with hard-hitting road safety advertisements from around the world, personal accounts from people who have survived serious injury collisions and footage of the families of those who have died
The event forms part of a multi-agency road safety initiative which is led by the Road Safety Authority and Clare County Council, in association with An Garda Síochána, Clare Ambulance Service, and Clare County Fire and Rescue Service
This is taking place today between 9.30- 12pm and 12.30- 3pm
Barry Keating, Clare County Council Road Safety Officer, and Frankie Gormley, Sub Station Officer at Ennis Fire Station had a quick word.
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