Gavin opened the show discussing rail concerns with Barry Kenny from Iarnrod Eireann. They discussed the issues the winter flooding had caused on the Ennis to Galway line. Gavin also spoke of a listener’s concerns over the alteration of the layout of Limerick Junction.
Currently passengers using mainline Cork to Dublin services have just a short walk across the platform when they change trains for Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary. The new works will have passengers climb a stairs and cross a footbridge to get to their train, which may be an issue for mobility impaired people.
A coalition of 40 Irish Civil organisations are, this morning, launching the Robin Hood Tax Campaign Ireland. It’s aim is to support the Financial Transaction Tax to ensure that Irish financial institutions pay their fair share in tax to help clean up the mess they’ve helped create, and to help avoid another financial crash happening by curbing speculative trading. Speaking to Gavin on the topic was Micheal Collins, a senior researcher at NEVIN Economic Research Institute.
Later on in the show, Gavin spoke to Phelim Kelly, president of NUI Galway’s Student’s Union. Phelim believes that third-level students from a rural background could be disproportionately hit should a proposed income contingency loan scheme goes be introduced. According to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), the proposed changes to the grants system could see means testing carried out on assets as well as income, which would affect those from farming backgrounds the most.
Also on the show this morning was John Lowe, the Money Doctor. John advised listeners on several different queries, including switching energy providers, and the best way to save for a funeral.
Support After Crime is marking its 10th anniversary working with victims of crime in Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Waterford. The group worked with 2,000 people over the course of 2015 and are hoping to offer training in order to brief volunteers on changes both nationally, and internationally. Sally Hanlon, Director of Services with the organisation, joined Gavin on the phone this morning seeking volunteers to join its team of five already operating in Clare.
Joining Gavin in studio was Frankie Coote, Dog Warden for County Clare, who was discussing listeners’ complaints regarding dog litter as well as a dog attack on a farmer in Kilkee.
Clare Museum is seeking to expand its collection. Curator, John Rattigan, says the museum needs to collect more objects from the late 20th and early 21st century, such as phones, calculators, and early game consoles or computers.
Following the tragic drug-related death of a Cork teen, the Poly Drug Project Coordinator, Ellen O’Neal, spoke to Gavin about the support programmes available to those affected by drugs and drug addiction.
Significant progress has been made on the Shannon Venue initiative, which aims to deliver a multi-functional Community Arts Centre in the heart of Shannon. Ian Oliver, the Owner and Creative Director at the Centre of Creative Arts, and Derek Barrett, the Founder and promoter of the Shannon Venue joined in on the discussion.
