Morning Focus – Thursday 01/03/18

Burren 01/03/18 - Photo By Judith Davoran

With snow set to grip the Banner County, Thursday’s Morning Focus brought listeners updates, advice and tips on dealing with the Beast from the East.

The show opened with an update from Senior Engineer Tom Tiernan, Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly and Noel Carmody of Clare Civil Defence.

Gavin then heard tips on driving in snow and ice – and avoiding unnecessary journeys from Don Barrett and Ennis-based driving instructor.

Then, Dr Máire Finn of the Ennis Family Medical Centre joined Gavin with advice on staying warm and well as the cold snap sets in.

The issue of the proposed use of the King Thomond Hotel in Lisdoonvarna to house asylum seekers was then discussed when Gavin was joined by Paddy Dunne of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte. Last night (Weds. Feb 28), local people voted by 197 to 15 against the plan. They’ll now ask the hotel owner not to go ahead with the project.

As the cold weather bites, services for the elderly are essential. Gavin was joined by Siobhán O’Driscoll from Obair in Newmarket-on-Fergus about trojan efforts to get meals out to service-users; while Fiacre Hensey of Clarecare also spoke to Gavin about their current situation.

Gavin discussed crime fiction with novelist Liz Nugent, who’s third novel ‘Skin Deep’ appears this year.

Gavin got a sneak preview of a new Digital Hub in Kilrush. This is being opened soon by Clare County Council along with similar facilities in Feakle and Miltown Malbay.

Celebrity wedding photography Jenny McCarthy then joined Gavin from a snowy Dublin with tips on getting the perfect pictures.

The show rounded off with some advice on managing your home heating system and the cost of fuel over the coming days. Gavin heard from consumer journalist Sinead Ryan.