On Tuesday’s Morning Focus; John began with a debate on the topic of the M18 motorway.
Michael Potter is a Security guard at Shannon Airport he says the M18 has been really bad as you know during the poor weather and many people have noted that. Michael drives from Limerick to work and rang to say how bad things have been when you reach the Clare part of the motorway. He's got in touch with the council who told him to ring the NRA. He feels he’s getting no where. Mayor and Councillor Joe Arkins spoke about the issue which was raised at this month’s Joint Policing Committee meeting in Clare, where Mayor Arkins said he always feels unsafe on the motorway in the Barefield – Crusheen area which he described as an accident black-spot. Up next Councillor Pat Hayes joined the conversation he believes the speed limit should come down from 120 to 100 because it’s simply too dangerous. It follows concerns by Ennis Gardai who had to deal with 9 accidents there over a 12 hour period in December which leads to temporary closures of the busy route. The NRA was unable to take part but did issue a statement saying “during the period June to September 2013, the NRA assumed responsibility for maintenance on the M18. Since this time, routine maintenance works have been undertaken including road sweeping and cleaning of gullies, slot drains and outfalls in addition to other general maintenance activities which assist with rapid drainage of water from the road surface. In addition, the NRA monitors and assesses the network under its direct control with a view to carrying out any maintenance or remedial works which might be required to improve road drainage and maintain the design capacity of the drainage system. However, the possibility of the occurrence of surface water due to extreme weather events cannot be fully eliminated.”
Up next Ennis Superintendent Derek Smart. The Superintendent spoke about the Clare Crime figures that were in the spotlight at a meeting of the County's Joint Policing Committee in Ennis yesterday involving Senior Gardai, local Councillors, a number of Oireachtas members and community representatives.
Among the issues for discussion were concerns about the M18 motorway, Cattle thefts in Clare, Burglaries, the illegal drugs trade and how 2013 compared to the previous year in terms of detected crimes.
John Lowe, The Money Doctor, was next to join John. He discussed:
1. Banks under fire for charging higher fees here than in the north
2. Tesco’s Irish market share down by 6.6%
3. 35% of Irish users switch off data roaming in EU
4. 75% of mortgages in arrears for over 90 days not restructured
5. Rock n roll memorabilia sale
John also answered listener’s questions and queries.
See www.themoneydoctor.ie for more.
Ross Maguire is Co-Founder and Senior Counsel of New Beginning. Two weeks ago New Beginning embarked on a National Recovery Tour of Ireland and plan on bringing our free 'Debt Recovery' seminars to every county in Ireland before Easter 2014 (26 counties in 10 weeks). So far they have been a great success, with attendance far exceeding our expectations! Our next seminar will take place next Thursday (27th of February) at Treacy's West County Hotel, Ennis, at 7.30.
The goal of the National Recovery Tour is to inform the people of Ireland of their options in relation to debt.
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 ISPCA Shelter on 065-6820393.
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