Morning Focus Tuesday 22nd April 2014

On Tuesdays Morning Focus The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform and Labour TD, Brendan Howlin, will be in Clare today to undertake a number of local engagements.  At 2.30, he will launch the commencement of a €5.2m pier project at Doolin, before signing the official contract at the Council's Area Office in Ennistymon.  John spoke to Mattie Shannon of Doolin Coast Guard and Bill O'Brien of O'Brien Line the Doolin Ferry Company about what this means for the local area. 

High-level figures within the beef sector gathered for a meeting last Thursday, chaired by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.  He called the meeting as part of efforts to carve out a future for the beef sector, which farming organisations say has been 'in crisis' due to falling prices over recent months.  Those who were asked to attend include the main beef processors, Bord Bia, Teagasc and farm organisations, amongst them the ICSA.  John spoke to Andrew Dundass Clare IFA Chairperson about what the outcome means for Clare farmers. 

Up next John spoke to James Coughlan a Kilrush Barber.  Earlier this year James had decided to run in the local elections as an independent candidate.  However the man better known for his love of all things Springsteen has decided to bow out of the race.  James made the decision after meeting the music legend in Nashville last week.  He said it was while he was meting Springsteen that it dawned on him how much time he would hand over to the job meaning he would miss out on following the music legend in concert.      

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Garda Francis Brennan with the Clare Garda Division appealed for the public's assistance with information on crimes committed in the county over the past seven days.  Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.

John Lowe, The Money Doctor was up next to answer all listeners queries.  Some of the issues he covered included:

1.  31,000 mortgage holders in arrears facing legal action

2.  Shatter was right, at least about inheritance tax

3.  Report: standing charge on water could be 33% of the final bill

4.  Tracker mortgage holders in line for rate cut

5.  Government still wants € 2bn in Budget cuts and taxes

Ruth Gilhool is from Ballynacally.  She has decided to shave her head to raise money for the Charity "Aoibheann's Pink Tie".  Ruth's 8 yr old son Ronan was diagnosed with a rare type of sarcoma cancer on April 30th 2013.  The charity helped Ruth's family financially and emotionally throughout the battle they had with Cancer. Jimmy Norman who set up the charity following the death of his daughter in 2010 also spoke to John about the work that he does and how the money raised from Ruth's head shave will help other families.

Finally Clare Dog Warden Frankie Coote joined John for his regular slot with advice on proper animal care and animal owners' legal responsibilities. Contact Clare Animal Shelter on 065 6820393.

If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.