The midweek edition of Morning Focus was a lively mix of local political issues and social events, as well as more details on a number of phone scams currently doing the rounds.
The show opened with a discussion about spending on the new Ennis Market building. There was controversy at the monthly meeting of the local authority about the loan of over €1.75 million from the Housing Finance Agency. Gavin debated the matter with Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) and Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG).
While motor insurance premiums have fallen by up to 14 percent, according to the CSO, Gavin’s next guest told him more needs to be done to control costs. Kian Griffin of Ireland Underground told Gavin that controlling policy prices won’t happen overnight.
Eamon Murphy of Social Justice Ireland was Gavin’s next guest. The Economic Analyst from Social Justice Ireland told Gavin his organisation is increasingly concerned about the gap they’ve found between the minimum wage and a ‘living wage’. Listen back below:
Domestic violence is on the rise in Clare, according to new figures from the Joint Policing Committee (JPC). Gavin discussed the issue with Anne McMahon who is the regional coordinator of MOVE Ireland which offers programmes for men in Clare, Limerick, Kerry and North Tipperary. More information is available from MOVE on 065 68 48689.
With the Junior Cert results out today, there are warnings about celebrating safely and avoiding alcohol. Gavin was joined on the line by Miriam Taber a spokesperson for Drinkaware. The organisation is urging parents to talk openly with their kids about alcohol. Listen back below:
This Saturday, cyclists will be raising funds for Kilkishen Cultural Centre on their ‘Tear through East Clare’. Gavin heard more about the event from John Power, a member of the organising committee.
The subject of PE was next up for discussion. Gavin was joined by Dr Sarah Kelly of Dublin City University (DCE) who told him that most kids aren’t getting enough exercise from their school PE programme. Listen back below:
The show then returned to the topic of scams when Gavin spoke with Ronan Murphy of Smarttech 247. He told Gavin about how scammers are using the dark web to steal personal data and use it to con people out of money.
With the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in full swing, the Samaritans are also there to offer support and a listening ear. Gavin heard more about this from Antoinette McCarthy, Deputy Director of the Samaritan’s Festival Branch. Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123.
Listen back to Antoinette’s interview below:
Clare Garden Festival gets under way at the weekend and ahead of it, Gavin was joined by Carmen Cronin (Festival Manager), Pete Beaumont (a basket weaver) and Siobhán Gallagher (Colourful Creations, Tulla).
As always on Wednesdays, the show rounded off with a visit from vet John Underhill of Burren Vets. Listen back below:
