The Minister for Transport ia in the Limerick and Shannon areas today, he’s been addressing a business breakfast gathering of members of Limerick Chamber of Commerce at the Radisson Hotel on the Ennis Road
‘Securing the Future of Shannon Airport’ is the topic for discussion, and earlier I spoke to Minister Leo Varadkar on this pressing subject for the mid-west.
When Minister Varadkar spoke to us last on Clare FM in November he assured us that decisions on the future operation structures at Shannon Airport would be made by the end of 2011 and brought before cabinet this month, yet as January comes to an end that decision has been put on hold until later this year, while the Shannon Airport board has been reduced to just two members
On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with the Transport Minister.
Following on from our discussion about emigration from Kilmihil on Monday morning we took a look at how emigration is effecting the areas of Tulla and Kilkee
Jim McInerney, the Mananger of Tulla Senior Hurlers spoke about how emigration is effecting their team
Tulla GAA have lost 3 players because of emigration in the past year
Today they have four players in their mid 20s to 30s who are looking for work- all are honours graduates who may have to go abroad to get work in their fields
Manuel DiLucia of Kilkee Search and Rescue expressed concern as they have begun losing their young volunteers to emigration
They have spent thousands training up many young volunteers who are forced into emigration- and as a consequence they are losing a generation of volunteers
Manuel said for the young people it is most definitely economic necessity that is forcing them to emigrate.
The 14th annual West Clare Mini Marathon takes place this Sunday
Although there was concern that emigration may lead to a dip in numbers this year almost 650 have registered to take part
Willie McGrath joined John in studio ahead of their main fundraiser
Clare FM will be coming live from Kilkee to celebrate the walkers and runners in this annual event in the West Clare calendar. All proceeds in aid of supporting and funding facilities and needs for cancer patients in West Clare
The marathon is From Doonbeg to Kilkee, join Stephen McDermott live from 2pm this Sunday!
Senator Martin Conway, Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson for Equality & Disabilities, joined John in studio to discuss life in Seanad Eireann and how his disability effects his work there.
Martin was a member of Clare County Council from 2004–11 for the Ennistymon local electoral area
Martin was elected to the Administrative Panel of Seanad Eireann in April 2011
When he was only six months old he had his first operation on his eyes to save his sight and since then, the Clare senator has had a dozen other operations to maintain 20% of his sight
He was the first Oireachtas member to use an Ipad in order to electronically access information after looking at different options with IT unit in Leinster House
He also spoke about Wednesday’s Private Members Motion that called for the immediate publication of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services
Also it calls on the Government to outline its plans to put the National Standards for Residential Services for People with Disabilities on a statutory footing and ensure that services are inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority given that there are over 8,000 adults and over 400 children with an intellectual disability in full-time residential care paid for by the State, but which are not inspected by any Government agency.
The 17th Ennis Bridge Congress is taking place this weekend at the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis
They recently set up a beginners club formed in Ennis
Joan Duggan, PRO of the Ennis Bridge Congress and President Margaret Cooney joined John in studio.
Aidan Courtney of the Ennis Bookshop joined John for his weekly book slot.
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