Morning Focus Tuesday December 11

Shannon Businesses have expressed deep frustration at what they describe as crippling water, commercial and refuse rates which is forcing many to shut their doors
A delegation of up to 30 commercial and voluntary groups addressed yesterday’s December meeting of Clare County Council where they outlined that rates in Shannon currently stand at over 6 thousand euro compared to 4 thousand in Ennis

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus with John Cooke we heard from some of those businesses speaking with Clare FM’s Trudy Waters yesterday
They were Carmel Butler- Wolfe Tones Camogie Club, Linda Wall of Shannon Hibs, John Quirke of the Coffee Shop in SkyCourt, Roofing Contractor TJ O Dwyer, Morris Lynch of Lynch Transport,  Darragh O’Connor, Texaco petrol station owner and Pat Kelly, Skycourt Shopping Centre Manager.

John Cooke spoke with Gerry Flynn, Shannon Independent Councillor and Sean McLoughlin Shannon Fine Gael Councillor.

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The official launch of the Shannon Town & Environs Local Area Plan 2012-2018, the first ever stand alone town plan for Shannon took place
Clare County Manager Tom Coughlan speaking with Clare FM’s Trudy Waters at the launch yesterday.

Sinn Féin are having a public meeting in Kilrush tonight at 8pm
It will take place in An Teach Ceol and the main speaker will be Galway Senator Trevor O’Clochartaigh who spoke with John
The meeting will discuss the measures in last week’s budget, explore their impact on ordinary people and outline Sinn Féin’s alternative measures to stimulate the economy and protect low and middle income families

The Money Doctor John Lowe addressed the announcement made in Budget 2013
Budget 2013 has been described as the toughest ever, it was the third last of the austerity budgets when € 3.5 billion was taken out of the economy through a series of benefit cuts (€ 2.25bn) and tax increases (€ 1.25bn) against a backdrop of unprecedented deficit challenges in Ireland and worldwide
He focussed on:
Property tax on all residential property – 0.18% up to € 1m,     0.25% over this threshold
3 year property tax exemption for first-time buyers
Child benefit reduced by €10
Unearned income will become subject to PRSI in 2014
DIRT, Capital Gains Tax and Capital Acquisitions Tax rise to 33%
VRT rate and motor tax will increase from 1st January 2013 while there is no increase in excise duty on petrol or diesel
Beer/cider up 10 cent, 10c on spirits and €1 on a bottle of wine
A 20-pack of cigarettes goes up by 10 cent
No change to income tax or corporation tax

This week in conjunction with Gleeson’s Jewellers of Distinction- Skycourt Centre Shannon and to celebrate their 25th year in business – we’re giving away a €40 voucher for Gleesons each day this week 

Clare Local Development Company is calling on communities throughout Clare to rally to the needs of their more vulnerable older people
Community groups throughout the county are invited to a public launch and information session tonight at 8pm at Templegate Hotel, Ennis
At a time when State funding for many supports is reducing dramatically and many older people have family members who have emigrated, they are asking communities to work with them to ensure older people are cared for
Sue Targett, Social Inclusion and Community Development Manager with CLDC, joined John in studio to explain
Contact CLCD on 065 686 6800.  

Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John in studio in for regular slot where he gives advice to animal owners on the proper care of animals and reminds them of their legal responsibilties
Contact Ennis Animal Shelter on 065 6820393.

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