On today’s show Tom King, Managing Director of Direct Route spoke to Clare Fm’s John Cooke about the opening of the new tunnel under the River Shannon.  The tunnel is hoped to cut travel time by up to 30 minutes for people travelling to the Mid West by bypassing Limerick City.  The development has cost €660 million and was officially opened today by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey.

Joining the discussion was Joe Robbins, a Director with the Shannon Chamber of Commerce and Gordon Kearney with the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, who spoke of the benefits to both employment and business in the region.

Outgoing Bishop of Killaloe, Willie Walsh also spoke to John Cooke about the newly revised child protection guidelines set out for the Diocese of Killaloe.  The new measures will be discussed at a meeting at the Clare Inn in Dromoland later this evening.

Also on today’s show;

MEP for Ireland North West Jim Higgins voiced his concern at the temporary shelving of the Western Rail Corridor development.  He was joined by Michael O’Doherty, a campaigner for a rail stop at Crusheen. 

James Doorley, Assistant Director of the National Youth Council of Ireland discussed why the NYCI feels the voting age should be reduced to 18 years of age, while Darragh O’Loughlin, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union explained the new policy regarding codeine based drugs like Solpadeine and Nurofen Plus, which from August 1st will accessible only on consultation with your chemist.

If you have a comment or question for Morning Focus, email Focus@clare.fm or text 53030