On The Afternoon Show today Gavin Grace spoke with Mattie Shannon of Doolin Coast Guard and the local Community Council about today’s news that the long awaited development of Doolin Pier has finally been given the all clear. An Bord Pleanala has upheld Clare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the new 5 million euro pier in North Clare. The project was beset by delays over the years due to objections from local surfing groups and then the local authority had to carry out Environmental Impact Statement, which found the project would not have a significant impact on famous surfing waves in the area.
Dr. Adam McAuley is a Law Lecturer at Dublin City University and joined the show following yesterdays ruling in relation to surrogacy. The Government is under pressure to legislate for surrogacy following a High Court ruling that shatters traditional interpretations of who is legally a mother. The couple argued the genetic mother had a right to be registered on the children’s birth certificates. The children in this case were born to a surrogate mother and up to now under Irish law only the woman who gave birth can be registered as the mother. The genetic parents brought this case for the right to record the biological mother’s name on the birth certificates. The court ruled in the couple’s favour. The Health Minister says the Department of Health will closely study the judgement.
Ennis man Alan Davey also joined the show and spoke to Gavin about how he and his friend – Brian Miller from Cratloe were in Lahinch for a surf lesson when they found an unusual item on the strand – whale “vomit”. It’s thought to be rare whale ambergris, which if authenticated could prove to be worth thousands of euro. Ambergris is used in the production of perfume.
Aidan Courtney from the Ennis Book Shop also joined us for our weekly book review. Today’s titles were “Staring at Lakes” by Michael Harding and “The Women’s Health Book” by Dr. Rachel McKay.
Tim Forde, Active Ennis General Manager was also a guest of the show to discuss today’s events at Lee’s road Sports Complex in Ennis. We are currently mid way through National Tree Week and as part of local events a community orchard is being developed at Lees Road. 14 apple, plum and pear trees were planted in a green area adjacent to the facility’s public Car park as part of National Tree Week 2013.
While also on today’s show Paddy Brennan from Limerick spoke about a special music project he undertook to raise funds for Milford Hospice. Paddy has put together a compilation CD of songs performed by Limerick groups, singers and personalities, called “Limerick on Record”. Paddy has already handed over a cheque worth over €20,000 to the centre and now as the CD goes on sale in Clare, he’s hoping further finds will be raised.
To contact the show please email [email protected]
