On Thursday’s Morning Focus Clare Government TD Joe Carey defended lobbying the Health Minister for funding to open a dementia unit despite HSE insistance that the facility wasn’t required.
In March a five year, 190 thousand euro funding package was secured for the unit in the Clarecastle Daycare Centre .
Recent Newpaper reports have claimed the HSE repeatedly insisted the money for the project wasn’t available and even if the health service was awash with funds – the unit wasn’t required due to a similar service in Ennis.
But Clarecastle TD Joe Carey rejected suggestions that the funding was a political stroke from Minister Reilly.
Heber McMahon, Chairperson of the Board of Clare District Daycare Centre said they are upset at this article and said the dementia unit is vital to provide sufficient services in the area.
A number of Clare’s top beaches have been stripped of their highly coveted Blue flags status.
Lahinch and White Strand in Miltown Malbay have lost out due to new rules that bathing spots have to comply with even greater standards than before to retain their blue flag.
The increased regulation has also hit several other high profile beaches across Ireland including Portmarnock in Dublin and Ballybunnion in Kerry however six other Clare bathing areas have retained their Blue Flag awards.
Flags for Fanore, Kilkee, Cappa beach in Kilrush, Ballycuggeran, Mountshannon and White Strand, Doonbeg will be presented this afternoon.
Overall there’s been a 20 percent drop in the the number of bathing areas nationwide set to receive the covetted award and Clare County Council has expressed frustriation at the new criteria claiming their unfair.
Paul Moroney, Senior Engineer with the Environment Department of Clare County Council, joined John in studio.
Lahinch Councillor Bill Slattery expressed his disappointed and upset at the news.
The Mid-West Regional Drugs Task Force, together with members of the community from around Clare, is hosting a Substance Misuse Services Information day from 11am – 2pm at the Temple Gate Hotel today
Fr Peter McVerry, from the McVerry Trust, will open the event
Hoping that people can come and make themselves aware of the various services for individuals, families and communities in this area – these range from educational opportunities to family support, treatment and rehab services
Mick Lacey, Chairperson of the Mid West Regional Drugs Task Force, joined John in studio.
The horrific attack of a young British soldier in London yesterday had shocked and disgusted people all over the world
The British Prime Minister David Camerson stated that the UK will not buckle in the face of terrorist incidents after the soldier was hacked to death by suspected Islamist extremists on a street yesterday afternoon
Two men – who were shot by police at the scene in Woolwich – have been arrested and counter-terror officers are now leading the investigation
Sarah Shaffi, editor of London24.com, joined John on the line from London with the latest on the story and to give local reaction.
The Adult Children of Alcoholics or ACA is a newly formed support group in Ennis
It is a new 12-Step Meeting called Adult Children of Alcoholics in Assumpta Hall, Ennis Cathedral on Friday Nights at 8pm
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) is an anonymous Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of women and men who grew up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes
They meet with each other in a mutually respectful, safe environment and acknowledge common experiences and discover how childhood affected them in the past and influences them in the present – Kieran joined John in studio to explain more and urge people to attend.
Man, Trees and Water, an ancient Trinity is an event organised by CELT – Centre for Environmental Living and Training taking place this Saturday at 2pm in Tuamgraney
Meeting at Tuamgraney heritage centre for a guided walk through ancient Oakwood explaining the amazing relationship between trees, biodiversity and water
It will lead to a river in the heart of the wood, exploring the remarkable relationship between trees, biodiversity, water and mankind- Andrew St. Ledger from CELT and the Woodland League described what people can expect and welcomed all to attend.
John Underhill of Burren Vets joined John in studio to answer your queries.
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