Morning Focus Tuesday January 22

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined in studio by Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy
He’s accused Fianna Fáil of “gross hypocrisy” over its stance on the separation of Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority
The former Mayor of Clare and Mayor of Shannon made his comment after Fianna Fáil senator Marc MacSharry formally lodged a complaint with the European Commission about what he describes as the Irish Government’s breach of European Competition Laws over Shannon Airport

Clare Deputy Timmy Dooley – Fianna Fail’s Transport spokesperson- who has been critical of government plans for Shannon Airport, said he too is confident that government plans are not in breach of competition law
He added that he’s already relayed this view to his party colleague.

Independent Kerry Councillor Danny Healy-Rae is calling for drink drive permits in rural areas
Kerry County Counil will press Justice Minister Alan Shatter for permits to be issued to people in rural areas to allow them to drive after having "two or three" drinks
They’ll write to Mr Shatter, asking him to allow garda to issue permits that would allow people drive home from their local pub
The controversial proposal by Independent Councillor Danny Healy-Rae, pictured, fuelled heated debate – but when put to a vote was carried by a five to three majority
John spoke to Danny Healy Rae

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Clare’s Town Councils had a special meeting yesterday to discuss their next step in opposition to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government Phil Hogan’s decision to abolish town councils
Mayor Of Kilrush Mairead O’Brien – who chaired the meeting- and Mike Fleming of Shannon Town Council spoke with John.

The Money Doctor John Lowe spoke about the housing market in his regular slot
House prices could decline by another 20pc from their current levels while variable rates are due to go up again, an international agency has warned. And ongoing rises in mortgage arrears mean borrowers in this country are effectively on strike, credit ratings agency Fitch said
But despite this, there is likely to be a moderate rise in lending to first-time buyers this year.
the agency, in a report on the global mortgage market, said property prices here could fall as much as 20pc, but it has assumed a 10pc decrease. Since the bursting of the property bubble, prices have dropped by UP TO 70pc, to take the average value to €160,000.
Another 20pc fall would take the average price nationally to €128,000

He also had some tips to shop smart in 2013
Always shop with a pre-written grocery list. Stick to what is on the list. Men in particular are disastrous for impulse buying
Check to see what you need before making out a shopping list – many shoppers buy items they already have in stock
Create a daily list for updating. If you run short of tea, washing-up liquid, kitchen towels, these can be added to your main shopping list
New edition of Money Doctor 2013 – Make Your Money Go Further 
 
As always the Money Doctor was happy to answer listeners’ personal finance queries
See www.themoneydoctor.ie

Members of the public in County Clare are being invited to play their part in the formulation of the new Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2014- 2020
The new plan, a draft of which is due to be completed by the end of 2013, will guide the development of Ennis and its environs in terms of economic development, recreational and community requirements, as well as residential, retail, transport and infrastructural needs
Senior Planner with Clare County Council Gordon Daly joined John in studio to explain.
 
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John in studio for his regular slot where he has advice on the proper care of animals and pets and owners’ legislative obligations
Today Frankie discussed an incident in Cree when a woman found pups dumped in the river and rescued them, there was also an incident of roaming dogs killing a deer in Flagmount
Contact the ISPCA Clare Animal Shelter on 065 6820393

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