Morning Focus – Wednesday August 19th 2015

On Wednesday's Morning Focus with Pat Flynn

There’s been a huge rise in the theft of power lines in the past year, with 27 thousand customers losing electricity supply so far this year in 48 robberies from the ESB. It’s estimated the thefts from the network have amounted to around 5 million euro so far this year. Crimestoppers has today launched a campaign urging the public to confidentially report any theft of metal, including power cables, copper phone wires, road signs or goal posts. This has been an issue locally with power being cut to homes and businesses as criminals have been targetting lines on the main power supply in Gort. Senan Colleran, Head of Distribution and Customer Services, Esb Networks and Gort Councillor Gerry Finnerty spoke to us about the issue.

Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire in Newmarket on Fergus is to open a class for children diagnosed with autism this September. The class will be called “Acorn” as from little acorns comes great oaks. Acorn will work on a ratio of two to one with a class of six children, two special needs assistants and a class teacher. There are very few schools in the region with this facility and without it, parents are faced with the prospect of sending their children to a special school. Principal of Scoil na Maighdean Mhuire, Anne Mc Mahon and teacher Marie Kelly joined us in studio to tell us about the new unit, while Susan Commane of Newmarket told us about her three and a half year old son Cathal who has been diagnosed with Autism. She says more supports are needed for children like Cathal in Clare.

Clare hurling legend Brian Lohan will be inducted into the UL Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday next. It was inaugurated in 2013 as part of the University's 40th anniversary celebrations. Seven new sports personalities will be inducted into the hall of fame on Saturday including Brian. Its a permanent tribute in recognition of his outstanding sporting achievements. Brian joined us in studio to speak about the award as well as his man achievements throughout the years.

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The average price in Europe on Super95 for the past two weeks has decreased at €0.01 and now is €1.29.Super95 is the most common type of fuel in Europe and is found on each gasoline station. The biggest price observed in Norway, the Netherlands and Italy. In these countries the price is 25-30% more expensive than the European average. According to the AA annual survey of motoring costs, the 20% rise in premiums for the typical motorist is ensuring that motorists are not saving any money due to the fall in fuel prices. The insurance sector is blaming higher levels of claims, more people using the courts to seek compensation and low levels of reserves in the industry for the hikes in premiums. Both Liberty Insurance and RSA have announced layoffs in recent months, as insurers struggle with losses in the motor insurance sector. Director of Comsumer Affairs for AA Ireland, Conor Faughnan told us more.

The Ennis Food Fair, a celebration of food from Co Clare and beyond takes place from the 24-27th of September. In addition to a Food Village at glór, the festival will see many foodie events in Ennis restaurants and other food venues; and a food trail of gourmet tastings is envisioned. Ennis Food Festival aims to promote quality food and hospitality in Ennis making our town a first class foodie destination. The Committee is made up of experienced hospitality experts who are passionate about making Ennis a true foodie destination. Committee Member Brian O'Neill of the Rowan Tree Café Bar and Chairman of Ennis Food Festival Eoin Fanning of Yum Catering told us what's in offer at the fair and how it benefits the local community.

The Ireland Reaching Out project which seeks to reconnect the Irish diaspora with their ancesters will be holding a small weekend festival where our diaspora can come back to Tulla and take part in activities and events that promote and highlight our unique parish features. Tulla-based Jane Halloran Ryan and Lauran Colleran from Ireland Reaching Out joined us in studio to tell us about the event which takes place from Friday, August 28th to Sunday, August 30th.

If you were passing Glór yesterday, you may have seen a colourful bus parked up. Well the John Lennon tour Bus rolled into Clare yesterday. The bus, which is in partnership with Music Generation Clare, contains a fully equiped state-of-the-art music studio, offering young aspiring musicins the chance to shoot music videos and documentaries and complete a broadcast quality music video. Clare FM's Sean Reidy has been along to try it out and here's how he got on.