We opened this morning's show by hearing from market traders angered by renovation traffic woes. Traders in the Market area of Ennis say they're unhappy with plans to help them bounce back from months of roadworks in the area. For several months now, construction has been taking place on a new Council-funded covered market, but traders say this has decimated their business, with some cutting staff as a result. The Council has rejected calls for a rates rebate for businesses affected, but has offered 20 thousand Euro towards a marketing campaign aimed at promoting the area when the works are complete. However, when Gavin spoke to business people in the area they told him they needed more. He spoke with Michael McGrath, Safeway Tyres, Upper Market Street and Noirin Furey of Food Heaven.
After hearing from effected business owners, we then heard from the council on their position on the new market area. The Council is hoping the new Market building will be covered in time for the Fleadh in August, and yesterday Interim CEO Ger Dollard told Gavin that in his view, it will become a great asset to the town.
As you'll have heard on Clare FM News yesterday (Weds., July 6) one of Clare's longest-established groups for people with disabilities has formally taken the decision to wind down. After hearing legal advice at an emergency meeting in Ennis yesterday, members of the Disabled People of Clare voted in favour of a voluntary strike-off, due to a crisis in funding. The closure will result in the loss of two full-time jobs and one part-time position. Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry went along to the EGM and she told Gavin what she saw and who she met.
Next we turned to a new MABS-run scheme for those in mortgage arrears. Measures have been unveiled by government with the aim of helping those in mortgage arrears. The 15 million euro scheme will provide free legal, accounting and insolvency aid. The measures will be implemented by The Money Advice and Budgeting Service – known as MABS. Elaine Clifford from Clare MABS spoke to Gavin to tell him more.
Last month a team from Clare won a Spirit of the Games Award at the Go for Life Games in DCU. They were one of a number of Clare teams competing at one of the biggest leisure sport events for older people in Ireland. The teams are made up from Active Retirement groups, social clubs, Men’s Sheds, sports clubs and friendship groups, and are supported by their Local Sports Partnerships. John Sweeney, Coordinator of Clare Sports Partnership, and Connie Danaher, Organiser West Clare Family Resource Centre and Games Participant, were in studio to tell Gavin more.
30 years ago, when SS Peter & Paul Church in Clarecastle was in dire need of refurbishment, the people of the parish came together to do something about it. Starting in October and carrying on until the following summer teams of volunteers gathered at the church in the evenings to carry out the work. This Saturday (July 9) on the 30th anniversary of the renovation, an event is taking place to celebrate their efforts. Fr. Pat Malone and “Haulie” Kelleher dropped into studio to tell Gavin why they chose to hold the event now.
Next we heard from the anniversary of a remarkable voyage. In 1976, Tim Severin and four crew undertook an epic journey to re-enact the voyage of St. Brendan and prove that the saint and his monks could have discovered America 500 years before Columbus. They sailed across the Atlantic in a leather boat, constructed using only materials available to the sixth century saint, on a voyage that took just over a year. This weekend the adventurer, historian and writer, will make a rare visit back to the boat that carried him across the ocean 40 years ago. He'll discuss his experiences at the Craggaunowen visitor centre between 1 and 5 pm on Saturday (July 9) but this morning, he was on the line to chat with Gavin.
Finally today we heard from Michelle Flannery from Busy Bees Garden and Tea Rooms, Clondrinagh, Limerick, for our regular Gardening slot. This week she talked about common pests such as green flies and caterpillars.
