Clare Fm - Podcasts

It's claimed good-faith negotiations with landowners is the only viable way to secure the future of the Cliffs of Moher walking trail. A leaked report aiming to address the future management of the coastal walk by Tobin Consultants, has recommended the council should have full title of all the lands by outright purchase and compulsory purchase orders if necessary. It also estimates that the cliff walk, which is partially closed on health and safety grounds will not reopen fully until 2028. Clare Independent MEP Michael McNamara says landowners need proper remuneration for what they already provide.

The Tobin Report, which is designed to overcome an impasse and determine a future management structure for the Cliffs of Moher, has recommended that Clare County Council buy the necessary land from over 30 landowners to go on and bring the trail up to standard. The Southern coastal walking trail and 500m section of the Northern route remain closed as significant safety works are required on the trail. The Tobin report also estimates it would cost the local authority over €460K to manage the trail and has recommended Compulsory Purchase Orders of land as a last resort. None of this is binding however, there will undoubtedly be several meetings with the council, Fáilte Ireland, Clare Local Development Company and Clare IFA ahead. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Parteen-based Clare IFA representative, Tom Lane and Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD. Photo (c) Visit Clare

Two deserving Clare people will be among this year’s Gradam Ceoil TG4 recipients. Banner musical great Siobhán Peoples is being awarded the Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 for musician. Broadcaster, historian, former Clare FM presenter and, indeed, recent In Profile guest Áine Hensey is being recognised for Outstanding Contribution. Now in its 28th year, Gradam Ceoil TG4 continues to honour the absolute best in performance and cultural impact across seven categories. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fiddler from Ennis, Siobhán Peoples, and Áine Hensey. Photo(c): https://www.facebook.com/gradamceoil/photos/d41d8cd9/1163978175738536/?_rdr

A Monster Machinery Auction is coming to Lissycasey. The event will take place at Lissycasey GAA Frure Grounds On Saturday week, the 5th of April. All types of Tractors and Machinery will be part of the auction. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Paudie Carmody Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/LissycaseyGaaClub/posts/1073585454811397/?_rdr

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 the Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about "Small Things like These" in the Children’s Theatre in Kilkee, Tuamgraney Harp Festival and much more... Photo(C): Clare FM

East Clare Musical Society is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style. Their latest production will see them bring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the stage. The beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical will run from April 17th to 20th at the Scariff Community College Hall. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Rhys McNamara who plays Joseph, Hannah Moloney who plays one of the 2 narrators and Sarah King, Musical Director. Photo(C):Clare FM

A really interesting one-man show will be making its way to Ennis soon. Paddy: The Life and Times of Paddy Armstrong, starring Don Wycherley as Paddy, will take to the stage at Glór on Saturday, the 12th of April (8:00pm). The play is inspired by Paddy Armstrong’s memoir Life After Life, a Guildford Four Memoir. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Don Wycherley. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1024678679696308&set=gm.1790617208355957

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 easy to grow bee friendly plants. If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.

Did you know there is a public walkway stretching all the way from Dunnes Stores Car Park straight through to O'Connell Street? Or it takes 1 minute and 20 seconds for a cyclist to pull out into traffic onto College Road? Or Belisha Beacons are no longer required for pedestrian crossings? Local campaign group, Better Ennis are aware of these issues and have been raising what they believe to be a number of solutions Clare County Council could achieve to improve road safety, active travel, accessibility, housing and the local economy. Spokesperson, Síle Ginnane, spoke to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan on a walking tour of the town. Photo (c): Clare FM

To review the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Monday’s Morning Focus by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch and Derek Dormer. Games Reviewed: Division 1B National Camogie League Final: Clare 1-11 Antrim 3-10 (Saturday, Abbotstown) Soccer: Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Quarter-Finals: New champions will be crowned this year in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup.

Two more stops have been confirmed as part of a Cliffs of Moher shuttle bus service due to commence on May 1st. The service will now take on passengers at Corofin and Carran in addition to halts at Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, Lahinch Miltown Malbay and Lisdoonvarna, with the latter two both to serve as hubs with facilities and free parking. The service is expected to run until August 31st with a potential extension until September, while public consultation on the proposed timetables will run from now until the end of next month. Corofin Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Killeen is hopeful it will become a permanent feature.

The local authority will consider moving a stop sign in South-East Clare that's reportedly more often than not "facing nowhere". It follows a number of incidents in which stop sign in Clonlara village adjacent to the L-3058 carriageway has been struck by trucks, busses and other large vehicles. It's understood the sign's pole has been installed closer to the roadside than usual which often poses difficulties for larger vehicles. Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley says as a result the sign generally cannot be seen.

Clare camogie boss John Carmody admits the concession of two early goals was the difference between the teams in yesterday's Division 1B decider. The Banner were unable to secure the title and promotion to the top tier, with Antrim coming away from Abbotstown with a 3-10 to 1-11 win. The Saffrons came out the blocks much the quicker, hitting two goals in the opening quarter before adding a third on the stroke of half time. Carmody says the Antrim goals came at the wrong time but admired his side's response to each setback.

A former Clare member of the National Bus and Rail Union claims "the devil will be in the detail" when it comes to the powers granted to the country's new transport security force. Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has committed to the new service under the National Transport Authority, which would operate and have similar powers to the Airport Police and Customs officers. It's envisaged that once up and running, the force would be given power of arrest. Former NBRU Executive member and Killaloe Fianna Fail Councillor, Tony O'Brien says granting rigorous powers to transport police is necessary to sufficiently deter antisocial or criminal behaviour.

Clare County Council is being urged to enhance its downsizing and disability respite housing plan. According to the latest census, there are 12,400 senior citizen homeowners in this county with at least one unoccupied room. It's understood the issue is of particular concern in Shannon due to its prevailing older population, while the town also has 774 adults registered as living with a disability to a great extent. Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy says joined up thinking is needed between the HSE and local authority.

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn chats with West Clare based designer and owner of Sallyann’s Handmade Bags, Sallyann Marron.

Fr Gerry Kenny leads our Sunday Prayer for today the 4th sunday of Lent.

Stephen Fletcher presents Beyond Belief this week and talks to Revd Carole Reynold who is the Education Officer for the Connemara National Park. He also talks to Bishop Michael Burrows about his Good Friday Pilgrimage 'From Killala to Kenmare'. Sr Ann Crowley from Kilkee gives her reflection for the 4th Sunday of Lent.

The lack of information on the current stage of the Limerick to Scariff Greenway has been branded as "disappointing". Killaloe Municipal District has revealed that a peer review of the preferred route corridor of the long-awaited greenway has taken place and public consultation on the project will be held on the peer review group and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have concluded discussions. On foot of a motion tabled by Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes at this week's meeting of East Clare representatives, it's been agreed that Waterways Ireland will be invited to attend the next meeting. Councillor Hayes says landowners in particular deserve more detail on the plans.

The family of Aoife Johnston have met with the Health Minister to press for a statutory inquiry into her death after waiting hours for treatment at University Hospital Limerick. The 16-year-old from Shannon died from bacterial meningitis on December 19th, 2022 after waiting more than twelve hours on chairs to see a doctor in the ED, despite presenting with an urgent GP referral letter querying sepsis. Aoife’s death has resulted in two inquiries and disciplinary proceedings against six senior staff over the circumstances of her final hours. Thursday’s meeting with Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill came about due to a request from the Johnston family, who wrote to her through their solicitor last month. That solicitor is Damien Tansey, who joined Alan Morrissey today. Photo(C): Aoife Johnston RIP