Morning Focus Tuesday March 27

Almost one year on from the worst wildfires in the history of the State, officials from Clare’s main farming organisations and Emergency Services have launched an awareness campaign in relation to the dangers posed by illegal burning and forest, bog and gorse fires
In late April and early May 2011 wildfires destroyed thousands of hectares of land across much of the country, including County Clare
Clare County Fire and Rescue Service attended blazes at Connolly, Mountshannon, Moyasta and Lissycasey, among other locations
Representatives from Clare IFA, Coillte, Teagasc, An Garda Síochana and Clare County Fire and Rescue Service met this week to launch a public awareness campaign
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus Marian Egan was joined in studio by Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, Clare and Oliver Quigley, IFA Regional Development Officer for Clare and Tipperary to discuss.

Clonakilty Favour Exchange is a community initiative which aims to create a network of practical, mutual support through sharing labour and skills.  No money is involved – all that is needed is goodwill and whatever skill or labour you would like to offer
Similar schemes run throughout the world- some have their own printed money they exchange
Jennifer Sleeman in Clonakilty uses the service and spoke about her positive experience to urge people in Clare to set up something similar here.

Economist Tom McDonnell works with TASC an independent, progressive think-tank dedicated to promoting equality, democracy and sustainability in Ireland through evidence-based policy recommendations
He spoke to Marian and said that recent moves to  negotiate a  deal on the Anglo Irish and Irish Nationwide promissory notes were welcome, but noted that the structure of the deal – and in particular the interest rate – would be crucial to Ireland’s debt sustainability.
He also had a word about the upcoming referendum on the fiscal compact.

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How will you vote in the referendum to adopt the EU fiscal treaty?
• Yes – 38%
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Mairead Doyle- solicitor with Michael Houlihan and Co. Ennis  and a Volunteer Solicitor – Free Legal Advice Clinic at the Clare Citizens Information Centre joined Marian in studio to explain the legalities around the Household Charge. 

Parteen man Maghnus Collins Smyth is one of a pair of young Irish adventurers setting off on their latest incredible expedition which will take in seven countries, three methods of man-powered travel, and over 16,000 kilometres, all for the benefit of Irish charity, Self Help Africa
The trip is called ‘Silk Roads to Shanghai’
In 2009 Maghnus and David travelled 17,550 kilometres on bike, starting in Cape Town, travelling through 19 countries and three continents to finish back in Limerick. In 2010, they again returned to Africa for a much shorter but no less exerting challenge as they ran over six marathons in just five days as part of The Sahara Race, with all funds raised again going to Self Help Africa. Contact Margaret to participate in the Golf Classic- 085 8322686 or see www.sand2snowadventures.com

The Comenius project sees schools from all over Europe joining together to achieve a common goal
At Ennis CBS their Comenius project is entitled ‘Let’s Play and Talk’
There are 7 partner schools in their Project coming from 6 European countries: France, Spain, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Ireland
During the project there are meetings in each of the partner countries
Ennis CBS are currently hosting a group that arrived on Sunday
 
Frankie Coote, Clare ISPCA Warden, Darren O’Connor of Doggy Daycare and work experience student and special olympic medalist Robbie McNamara joined Marian in studio for Frankie’s weekly slot where he reminds animal owners of their legal responsibilities. 

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