Morning Focus Tuesday November 20

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Ballynacally native Geraldine Kelly,  Chairperson fo MicroFinance Ireland – a new lending organisation, set up by the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, to finance small businesses which are finding it difficult to obtain credit
It’s hoped the venture will support thousands of jobs over the next decade.
 

Kildysart area Fine Gael Councillor Oliver Garry has raised concerns about metal thefts from churches, building sites and cable lines at various local Policing and Council meetings recently– he wants to see tighter controls on scrap metal dealing to restrict opportunities for thieves. PJ Ryan, Sixmilebridge Independent Councillor became a victim of crime last year after property valued at €2,500 was stolen from his business premises in Sixmilebridge. Mr Ryan, who runs a farm machinery and home heating oil business, had 21 stolen from lorries, tractors and environmental storage bins in the garage compound. The theft prompted the county councillor to call for the introduction of legislation to regularise the scrap metal business.  

Both councillors had a word with John to discuss the recent news that the Minister for the Environment published proposed new regulations on the trade in scrap metal
The Minister noted the cost to society of the recent widespread incidence of metal theft . The Minister commented: “While the scourge of metal theft raises issues beyond what can be addressed under the Waste Management Act, I believe that appropriate  checks at waste facility sites will greatly help in resolving this problem. The measures I am proposing today are designed, above all, to enhance the traceability of purchases of scrap metal at these sites”.

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New research by safefood for their ‘Cut Food Waste’ campaign has revealed that 32% of consumers believe ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ dates on food labels means the same thing. The research also revealed that 44% of consumers know there’s a difference between the two but are unsure which is which.
To coincide with European Week for Waste Reduction which runs from 17th-25th November, safefood together with the Department of the Environment (DOE) and Environment Protection Agency (EPA) have joined together to encourage consumers to check the dates and help cut food waste
John spoke with Dr. Gary Kearney, Director of Food Science in safefood
See www.safefood.eu

William Cahir of Cahir and Company Solicitors, Ennis and a volunteer solicitor with the Free Legal Advice Centre, Clare joined John in studio for our legal advice slot
Today he spoke about land transfers, taxes, increase in Land registry fees from December 1st, and rights of way deadlines.

11 Clare County Fire & Rescue Service personnel with a combined service record of 260 years have been honoured at the annual National Long Service Awards Ceremony held at the weekend.

Martin Rodgers, a Sub Station Officer with Killaloe Fire Brigade and Joe McMahon, a Firefighter with Kilkee Fire Brigade, were in receipt of 30 Year Awards – Joe joined John in studio and Martin also had a word about what this meant to them and their careers

An additional 9 other Service members were in receipt of 20 Year Awards. They include Adrian Kelly (Clare Chief Fire Officer), Brian Rudd (Firefighter, Ennis Fire Brigade), Robert Fitzgerald (Sub-Station Officer), Frank O’Gorman (Firefighter) and Cormac Quinlivan (Firefighter) of Kilkee Fire Brigade, Paddy Doyle (Firefighter, Scarriff Fire Brigade), and Johnny Byrne (Firefighter), Joe Tuohy (Firefighter) and Paul Mollaghan (Station Officer) of Killaloe Fire Brigade.
 
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John in studio for his weekly slot where he provides advice on the proper care of animals
Today Frankie spoke about pot-bellied pigs brought to the pound in Ennis after being dumped from a car.
Contact the Clare Animal Shelter on 065 68 203 93.

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