Morning Focus Thursday January 17

Government has given approval for the construction of  a new Volunteer Coast Guard Station in Doolin
The project, to be overseen by the Office of Public Works will be tendered within a matter of weeks with construction anticipated to commence by May

On Thursday’s Morning Focus Marian Egan spoke with Mattie Shannon of Doolin Coastguard and local Councillor Richard Nagle – who have been at the forefront of this campaign for many years and were delighted with the long awaited announcement. 

Some Clare Estate Agents have expressed concern over aspects of new rleswhich require BER – or Building Energy Ratings to be displayed on all  "for sale or "let "signs

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Under the regulations the obligation is on the seller and property agent to include the BER on all online and print adverts, brochures and as well as signs displayed outside properties on the market

Failure to do so will result in a five thousand euro fine or  in extreme cases, up to three months in prison
Kilkee Estate Agent Manuel DiLucia and Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in Ennis joined Marian to discuss changes to auctioneers practices imposed in 2012.

A new survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions has found that 1.6 million people have 50 euro or less to live on every month – after their bills are paid
The "What’s Left" tracker says that’s an increase of more than a quarter of a million people since October
The number of employed people with 50 euro or less to live on went up 35 per cent, while up to 70 per cent of people overall say they’re unable to save money
Kieran Brennan, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, explained.
 
Marian discussed the ongoing horse meat controversy with Stephen Rea, Editor of The Irish Independent
Stephen also spoke rugby as it’s gaining more and more popularity in Clare and more young players are emerging such as Luke O’Dea from Ennis and Damien Varley from Killaloe
The paper is starting a Munster Rugby supplement distributed with the Irish Independent in Munster – beginning tomorrow
This weekend is make or break weekend for Heineken Cup groups – Munster have to win against Rasing Metro from Paris this Saturday in Thomond Park and get a bonus point which means scoring four tries.

Kevin Phelan of the Clare branch of The Samaritans joined Marian in studio
They are holding meetings for people interested in becoming a volunteer with the group next Thursday 24th at the Templegate Hotel in Ennis at 8pm and Saturday 26th Templegate Hotel, Ennis at 11am- all are welcome.
 
A new job training initiative that has been announced by Cpl Learning and Development, aimed at those on the live register for twelve or more months
Courses are being offered in the areas of healthcare and food production and will last six months, during which time participants can retain their social welfare payments
Siobhan can discuss the courses on offer, who can apply, where they will take place, and the long-term job prospects in these industries on offer to those who complete the training and work experience placement
Siobhan Kinsella, Director of Cpl Learning and Development, explained.

John Underhill of Burren Vets joined Marian in studio to answer listeners’ pet and livestock health queries.

If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]