On today’s show Clare Fm’s John Cooke spoke with Miltown Malbay GP Dr. Billy O’Connell following calls for the formation of a new Clare Health Action Group. The group has been established to fight the proposed budgetary cutbacks in the HSE West, which are expected to affect Ennis General Hospital.  25 beds are to be lost at Ennis General along with the axing of 300 temporary posts at hospitals across the Western Region.  The new group hopes to meet with the Hospital Development Committee with a view to forming a sub-committee to fight any cuts.

Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Katherine Webster also spoke with John Cooke about the new pricing structure at the Cliffs for local patrons.  The new “locals only” pass will cost €12 per year and will include a photo i.d. which will allow entrance to the cliffs as many times as the bearer wants during its validity.  There will be information meetings held for locals wishing to avail of the new pass on the 26th August and 10th and 15th September, the details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Also on today’s show;

Fr. Harry Bohan, Parish Priest of Sixmilebridge, discussed the likelihood of an Association of Priests. It comes as a number of priests have come together to express themselves at a time when relations between them and their bishops is strained.

Angela Sammon, Editor of the Irish World Newspaper in London discussed the latest stories making headlines in the UK, while John Underhill of Burren Vets answered your pet queries in our regular vet feature.

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