The Clare Leader Forum claims the programme for Government is not going near far enough to reform issues facing the disabled community. It's calling for an urgent review of wheelchair accessible taxi stock, fully accessible local link services at all times and the removal of the 24 hour notice requirement for travelling on rail. The lobby group als…

Work will commence on a number of long-awaited infrastructural projects in Clarecastle in the coming weeks. Construction of a new footpath at the village shop is set to begin by the end of this month with the project to be completed within three weeks, while the completion of footpaths and installation of traffic calming measures at the Ballybeg ju…

Reaction From David Russell And Mark Colbert After Last 32 Ties In FAI Junior CupBy Clare FM

The incoming Trump presidency in the United States is making multinationals more cautious about hiring here. Multinationals have been cautious about hiring in the last three months of 2024, with the number of professional jobs available in Ireland having fallen by nearly 15 per cent. The push for more onsite work has also clashed with employees' de…

A mobility plan for Crusheen Village is being prepared. The plan is being worked on by Clare County Council, in conjunction with Helena McElmeel Architects. The local authority has opened the public consultation for the Mobility Plan.To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by senior planner with Clare County Council and co-ordi…

On Monday’s Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art’s Officer Siobhán Mulcahy.Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week’s live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County.This week, Siobhán told us about a Country Music Weekend in Ennis, Storytelling in Scariff, and Sixmilebridge Folk Club.…

It is time for another wonderful tale from the one and only Eddie Lenihan, which means it is time for Seanchaí Corner.Every fortnight on Morning Focus, Seanchaí Corner sees Eddie, the renowned author, storyteller, lecturer, and broadcaster regaling us with a memorable story from his extensive collection of old Irish tales and fables.This week, Eddi…

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan.This week, Tom gave listeners advice on what herbs to grow indoors. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.By Clare FM

The West Clare Cancer Centre Mini Marathon is looming large on the horizon. The annual fundraiser for the Kilkee-based West Clare Cancer Centre usually takes place at the end of January. However, this year’s event, marking its 27th anniversary, has been postponed slightly until the 2nd of February.To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined …

Rock Rising—Supreme Classic Rock Show at GlórFans of rock and roll greats such as Thin Lizzy, Pink Floyd and AC/DC will no doubt be heading along to the supreme classic rock show, when it hits glór in Ennis on the 1st of February. A “high octane, classic rock show designed to take the audience on an edge of their seats journey through the evolution…

On Morning Focus, we return to the shortage of dentists accepting medical cards in County Clare. On numerous occasions previously, we have heard from listeners who have experienced difficulties accessing dentists who accept medical cards. Have you found yourself in that situation? Do let us know about your experiences by calling 0818 400 964; or ju…

Today is not just the 20th of January: it is also Blue Monday! 'Blue Monday' is the name given to the third Monday of January, which is often described as the most challenging or depressing day of the year. It could be a tough day for some of you out there but fear not – help is at hand! For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dearbhla O'Bri…

Funds are being raised for a little girl from Clare, who was diagnosed with leukemia. Mia Flanagan was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia last April, just a few days before her fifth birthday. The past nine months have involved a lot of trips up and down to Dublin for Mia and her parents, Ruth and Ronan, and a lot of treatments for…

One of Clare's MEP's is calling on the European Commission to strenghten its enforcement of online safety regulations to protect young people online.New statistics show that almost 60% of children aged between eight and 12 have experienced harmful or inappropriate content when online.Former GAA President Sean Kelly has identified the unhealthy acti…

It's claimed speeding has become a massive problem in Clare's roads and housing estates.It follows a number of complaints by residents in South Clare regarding reckless driver behaviour. At the end of last year, over 13,000 motorists in this county had penalty points for speeding.Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe says the roll-out of tr…

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this week's Beyond Belief and hears about the Ennis Choral Festival from Carmel Honan. Fr Michael McCullough talks to Pat Coyle about his book, With Due Respect and Fr Gerry catches up with Stephen Fletcher after his return to Kilrush.By Clare FM

The CEO of a leading global medical technology firm says Shannon will remain a key element of their operations for many years to come.Aerogen, which is a world leader in aerosol drug delivery in acute care, has announced its plans to create 725 jobs in Clare and its headquarters in Galway over the next ten years.The new roles will offer research an…

Clare County Council is set to write to the Government to request that Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is officially recognised as a disability.The HSE estimates that up to 7.5% of the population are living with the condition, which occurs when parental exposure to alcohol affects the developing brain and body of children in the womb.The headquart…

It's claimed "Garda visibility in the streets of Ennis is a must" when it comes to tackling feud-related crime in the town.Violent scenes in the county town on Christmas day made national headlines as footage emerged of dangerous driving on the Mill Road.Following the incident, which is understood to be related to an ongoing feud between families, …

Coming up on the showWe will look ahead to a huge afternoon for Clare soccer with Avenue United and Bridge United hoping to reach the last 16 of the FAI Junior Cup.The annual fundraising poker classic in aid of Clare football is on this weekend, we will hear from former manager Colm Collins about that and a chat on the new FRC rules with just over …

It's hoped West Clare is in line for a jobs boost following the announcement of a major new offshore wind project. Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta is planning to build a 30 turbine wind farm off the coast of Clare and Galway and is promising a community benefit fund of €70m over the next 20 years. The local works will also involve an electrical compensa…

Pen has been put to paper for the completion of a major infrastructure project in South-East Clare. Limerick City and County Council has signed a €31m contract with Wills Brothers LTD to construct the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road. The works will involve a new 2.1km urban dual carriageway, pedestrian, and cycling facilities and improvem…

A Clare hotelier is optimistic the proposals in the Programme for Government are an indication of a shift in focus away from FDI and towards helping indigenous companies. Included in the draft, are promises to change the VAT rate for food, entertainment and hairdressing businesses, which would be implemented as part of budget 2026. The Department o…

The World Fitness & Bodybuilding Championship was held in Tokyo from December 16th to 19th.Shannon bodybuilder Ewelina Hrynkiewicz Kucybala proudly secured a bronze medal!She joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus to share more about her achievement.Photo(C): Clare FMBy Clare FM

A Clare-based former ASTI President has lambasted the Programme for Government for being "scant on detail" when it comes to resolving the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland is claiming that the Programme for Government "fails to provide a real commitment to addressing the teacher shortage crisi…

On Ours To Protect today, we take a closer look at biodiversity and sustainability in Co Clare.We visit the Lough Grainey valley in East Clare an area of immense beauty and ecological value.Here, a highly skilled team of directors, committed to protecting biodiversity, rewilding and nature education are working to develop the area as a nature sanct…

Israel says it has formally signed a ceasefire deal for the war in Gaza after last minute disputes. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says his security cabinet and then the government will now meet to ratify the agreement. It's due to come into effect on Sunday, involving the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestin…

The Circus Ponies Experience will be an unforgettable showcase celebrating the vibrant energy, music, and nostalgia of the 1990s. You can prepare for a dazzling visual and auditory feast, igniting an explosion of colour, energy, and nostalgia. It will be taking place at Glór on the 31st of January at 8 PM.To talk more about this, Alan Morrissey was…

For the third episode of the village tour, Alan Morrissey paid a visit to Kildysart.With the village tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county.By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listene…

A wrap around support programme for teenage parents in Clare is to be evolved into a new service for young parents. The move by the Teen Parent Support Programme comes in response to the changing needs of at-risk families. At a recent special event 25 years of the Teen Parent Support Programme was celebrated after it has supported approximately 10,…

A councillor embroiled in a row over who'll wear the Cathaoirleach's chains in East Clare over the next few months has dismissed the episode as a "political spat". Sparks flew at yesterday's meeting of Killaloe Municipal District when Fine Gael's Pat Burke contested the decision allowing the Leas Cathaoirleach, Fianna Fáil's Pat Hayes, to ascend to…

The firm responsible for a new demographic, economic and social analysis of the east of the county says it's been pleasantly surprised by how well the area is doing.Ennis-based consultancy People and Place has launched its socio-economic analysis of Killaloe Municipal District which is the first of its kind in Ireland.The report shows that the regi…

Shannon Airport will become a national hub for testing new aviation technology under the draft programme for government. The coalition's provisional policy document for the next term has also committed to implementing the recommendations of HIQA's ongoing review that will determine if another emergency department is needed in the MidWest. The docum…

The Killaloe Municipal District's Fianna Fáil councillors have been accused of "railroading" their Fine Gael counterparts following the selection of a new Cathaoirleach. Upon being elected to Dáil Éireann in November, former Bodyke Councillor Joe Cooney vacated the Cathaoirleach seat in the Killaloe MD. Following a decision by his replacement, O'Ca…

Over 8.5 million euros was spent by councils tackling invasive species over the last 4 years. This figure comes from a new report from The Journal Investigates. The report examined how different counties dealt with plants and animals that are not native to Ireland from the period of 2020 to 2024. The top three spending councils over those four year…

The government is being called upon to explore options to ensure we are not as reliant on Holyhead Port in the future. Supply lines are expected to return to normal over the next few weeks following the news that the Welsh port is to partially reopen on Thursday. The Irish Road Haulage Association wants a task force to be established to look at the…

A new project aimed at archiving Kilfenora’s traditional musicians is underway. Aoife Kelly has started a new project to create a free online archive of traditional musicians from Kilfenora. Aoife wants to get as much information as possible about the local musicians from the 1st half of the 20th century and before. To find out more, Peter O'Connel…

Doolin Ferry has completed and launched its brand-new, custom-built passenger ferry. Cliffs of Moher Express is the largest and most advanced vessel ever to operate from Doolin. Doolin Ferry says the flagship ferry marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Co. Clare-based company. To find out more about this, Peter O'Connell was joined…

The 160 page programme for government was published yesterday, and the promised measures include a pledge to see 300,000 homes built by the end of 2030.This would include 12,000 social houses, a multi-annual plan to be developed to 'urgently' deliver new student accommodation, dedicated security for public transport, and a health led solution for p…

Fr Brendan Quinlivan leads our Sunday Prayer on today the 19th January 2025 the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.By Clare FM

Kilrush RNLI is in mourning, following the passing of one of its members. Fintan Keating was one of Kilrush Lifeboat Station’s original volunteers when it was established in 1994. Fintan dedicated over 30 years of service to the RNLI, demonstrating unwavering commitment to both the institution and his fellow volunteers. Kilrush RNLI Spokesperson, C…

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make cauliflower soup!To get an insight into the recipe, Peter O'Connell was joined by Canadian chef and owner of Randaddy’s in Lahinch, Randy Lewis.Image (c): Mizina from Getty Images via Canva & Aesthetic squiggle line by Sandi Dwi Prasetyo from Sandidwipr via Canva…

A Clare author has claimed a prestigious literature award. Tracy Fahey has won the 2024 Paul Cave Prize for Literature. The Sixmilebridge writer won the prize for her novella of ancient mythological women and contemporary ecological crises, What Happens At The End. To learn more, on Thursday's Morning Focus, Tracy Fahey joined Peter O'Connell in-st…

Clare has a new festival! A Sliver Of Light is a new music & arts weekender, happening in Hotel Doolin, from Friday the 24th to Sunday the 26th of January. The fantastic lineup includes David Kitt, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Ana Palindrome, DUG, Méabh McKenna, and many more. To find out more, Peter O'Connell was joined by organiser, Emmet Condon.Photo…

Clare's opposition TD insists the new coalition must enshrine commitments on a second MidWest Emergency Department and a targeted approach to the housing crisis in their programme for government.The make up of the ruling parties of the 34th Dáil is all but complete, with Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents finally reaching an agree…

Clare is set to benefit from an active travel allocation of over 3.3 million-euro for the coming year. The National Transport Authority has confirmed funding for thirteen projects here, along with €450,000 for staff costs at Clare County Council’s Active Travel Office and €500,000 for bus stop enhancements. The Tulla Road Active Travel Scheme will …

Clare is set to benefit from an active travel allocation of over 3.3 million-euro for the coming year.The National Transport Authority has confirmed funding for thirteen projects here, along with €450,000 for staff costs at Clare County Council's Active Travel Office and €500,000 for bus stop enhancements. The Tulla Toad Active Travel Scheme is the…

A Clare TD is expressing confidence that a stable government has been formed to guide the country for the next five years. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents signed off on a deal yesterday that gives the coalition a majority of 94 TDs, while talks are continuing with the Healy Rae's to see if they will join as well. A draft progra…

Wesley O'Brien is a tennis coach at the Killaloe-Ballina Tennis Club.The Killaloe native has been involved in blind tennis since 2017 and has been to a number of World Championships as part of the Irish Blind Tennis team. A new programme for blind and visually impaired people will begin at Killaloe-Ballina Tennis Club later this month. To discuss t…

Almost half of Ladies' Gaelic Football Association inter-county players say they don't consider themselves role models for young women. New research from Lidl reveals that 43% don't consider themselves role models for young women, with almost a quarter thinking that's largely due to gender issues and cultural norms. However, the survey also shows 1…