On Tuesdays morning focus Jhn was joined in studio by Paddy Darmody – President of Ennis Chamber, Brian O Neill – The Rowan Tree / President of Visit Ennis and Superintendent Derek Smart of Clare Garda Division to talk about crime. Concern's been raised by Gardaí and the Ennis Chamber of Commerce following a number of serious robberies in recent weeks. Two arrests have been made in connection with two raids on a Barber shop on Francis street and a Tanning salon on Barrack street last week. In another incident a shop worker was held at knife point.Those involved have been left traumatised – however there's been no reports of any injuries. The Chief Superintendent is being invited to address to councillors on the the issue in a bid to finding a resolution.
A government politician has called for ice-cream vans to be regulated. Fine Gael senator Catherine Noone today warned that the "persistent use of chimes" of ice cream vans represent an "aggressive form of selling". Ms Noone said she has been contacted by parents who claim ice cream vans visit their estates up to five times per day. The Dublin senator said she believes the "pester power" of these vans are adding to the issue of child obesity. Speaking in the Seanad, Ms Noone admitted that her call for regulation will be met with humour. But she said the impact of these vans on obesity a mong children is very serious. "As I talk about it, it does seem frivolous on the face of it. But it relaters to an issue of pester power," Ms Noone said. "The reality is children are very interested in sugar and very addicted to it in lots of instances. It's not that I'm anti-ice cream but the persistent use of chimes in public streets and in estates is an aggressive form of selling and it wouldn't be countenanced in any other industry." John spoke to the Senator about the proposal. He also spoke to Alan Murphy of Shannon Ices, Alan says there should be some sort of regulations – at the moment anyone can buy a van and start selling. You need to know about Cleanliness and so on to run an ice-cream van business properly. However Alan also says ice-cream it's self is not that bad -the takeaways are far worse for you!!
Irish celebrities seem to be picking Quin as a holiday destination Ger O'Halloran Owner of Abbey Stores Quin spoke to John as himself and his niece Meghan were working the tills in Abbey Stores last week when Graham Norton walked in!! Ger says Graham was very unassuming and posed for a selfie!! Bono was also out in Quin on his holidays last week!!! Celebrities are taking over the little village.
Up next John Lowe, The Money Doctor, spoke to John and answered all our listeners queries. Some of the areas covered included:
1. ECB move triggers call to cut banks' variable rate
2. Number of buy-to-let mortgage arrears unexpectedly increases
3. Debt free in three months with new bankruptcy option
4. Households continue to pay off debt
Two Clare based artists have come together to created an exhibition with the theme of 'whats left behind'. Nathalie El Baba and Emma Stewart-Liberty currently have their work displayed at the Clare museum and Morning Focus Producer Amy Ryan visited the artists there to find out more about the exhibition.
Clare Dog Warden Frankie Coote joined John for his regular slot with advice on proper animal care and animal owners' legal responsibilities. Contact Clare Animal Shelter on 065 6820393.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
