With 48 hours remaining to pay the household charge by direct debit instalments the debate again emerged on The Today Show with Gavin Grace. The 29th February is the final date to set up a direct debit of four €25 instalments to pay the Household Charge online. The deadline for paying the €100 charge in one payment is 31st March. 133,365 properties have paid to date but with so many people still undecided; we heard both sides of the argument on today’s show. Jackie Maguire, Household Charge Project Board Chairperson spoke first, detailing the many possible ways of paying the charge and the benefits of doing so on time. Fiona Ni Mhaonaigh from Tuamgraney and a member of the Anti-household Charge Group in Co. Clare conveyed her opinions on why she believes the charge should not be paid. Many listeners around the county also got involved in the debate and remember your comments are always welcome through email on [email protected] or text Clare FM followed by your message and name to 53030.
The Today Show – Tuesday February 28th
Margaret Considine from Cross joined Gavin on air hoping to find a solution to a major problem for her. Her two boxer dogs went missing yesterday and after a night of searching finally with the help of a local fisherman the younger pup has been located today. However the problem is that the pup is on a ledge 12ft down from the top of a cliff with a further 30ft drop to the bottom with and is in the company of a goat. She called on all the brave heroes of county Clare to help her out in saving her beloved family pet. We had a huge reaction immediately with all the details of your help being forwarded onto Margaret after the show.
Gearoid Mannion of Tom Mannion Travel Worldchoice in Ennis joined us for our weekly Travel Feature. This week Gearoid advises on trips to USA and also concentrated on his own recent visit to Las Vegas. From spectacular hotels and the infamous Las Vegas Strip Gearoid spoke of the many highlights of his trip. Even ignoring the gambling Gearoid ensured us all that this destination is a must do for anyone interested in travelling Stateside.
Gearoid also considered some of the listeners’ queries and offered great advice on holidays to Florida and Vancouver.
Edel Conway Information Manager of FSAI spoke on air in relation to an announcement made by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland today. A total of 11,166 queries and complaints were handled by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) advice line in 2011. Announcing details today of the information requests and complaints last year, the FSAI stated that there was an increase of over 13% in 2011 in calls related to consumers reporting issues concerning food and food establishments. The 2,415 (2,126 in 2010) complaints ranged from reports of unfit food, low hygiene standards, inaccurate labelling information and suspected food poisoning with Edel referring to some of the more shocking examples she encountered.
Clodagh Lawlor from Newmarket-on-Fergus was the only Irish contestant to get to audition in front of the Britain’s Got Talent Judges after being picked out for her fantastic singing voice in the you tube round of the competition. Unfortunately she has not got through to the next stage but she came into studio today and shared her experience and thanked the people of Clare for their support and votes.
