For our last show this week we began by talking to Supermacs MD, Pat McDonagh as he puts forward plans once more to build a motorway plaza on the outskirts of Ennis.
The station would be on the M18/M17 motorway route linking Shannon and Tuam and include a service station, convenience shop, food court, children’s play area, a picnic area and 16 charging points for electric cars. Although the development would create 80 jobs during the construction phase and 100 during the operation phase the plan was still refused in 2014. McDonagh is hopeful that there will be less opposition this time, however.
That said, opposition is already gathering. Rita McInerney, a West Clare business woman and former CEO of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce told the show about how she believes the Supermacs development would be detrimental to surrounding towns and villages.
The first hour ended with our regular arts round-up with Clare County Arts Officer, Siobhán Mulcahy.
The second hour, as always, was time for The Friday Panel. This week’s panel included retired businessman from Kilkee Manuel di Lucia, CEO of Blue Box Children’s Charity Bernadette Kenny and MD Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon and current President of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce Diarmuid McMahon. They discussed Trump’s meeting with Putin, the Irish national anthem, Amhrán Na bhFiann and how we should regulate content on Facebook. The panel also told us who they consider their hero.
Listen back below:
Finally, we had an overview of the weekend’s events. This weekend will see playwright John Paul Murphy return to the Galway Fringe Festival with his new play ‘Turn Around Bright Eyes’. The play will run from Monday (23 July) to Thursday (26 July) in Busker Brownes and is described as a ‘farcical comedy.’ Tickets are available on Eventbrite or the Galway fringe festival box office.
Then we heard about the 28th annual South east Clare Show from Anika Schous Ryan. The Show will include competitions, children’s activities and a chance to win a trip to Disneyland Paris. It takes place in Bridgetown (exit 28 off the M18) on July 22nd. Competitions begin at 9:30am and gates open at 12pm. Tickets are €10 with kids 12 and under going free. Proceeds from the Show go to supporting Milford Care Centre.
Listen back below:
