On today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
A period of public consultation for the controversial Limerick Northern Distributor Road is underway. The South-East Clare road is set to extend from Knockalisheen to the Old Limerick/Dublin Road, passing near Parteen, Ardnacrusha and the University of Limerick. However, it's been strongly opposed be residents in the area, who say it's being partly build on a flood plain, and argue that it will disect Parteen village and divide the community as a result. Brian McCarthy Senior Executive Planner with Clare County Council. Edward English a resident of Parteen and Chairman of the Northern Distributor Concerned Residents group says they will be providing information sheets and encouraging other residents to make submissions. Miriam McCormick Shravokee area in Clonlara says the residents are planning on meeting with all 28 Councillors in the coming weeks.
This week Tulsa the Child and Family Agency announced they have withdrawn money provided for pre-marriage courses at the Catholic agency, although it will still receive more than 1.5 million euro from the body this year. The Irish Catholic newspaper says the cut will give weight to church fears that agencies who don't support the government's marriage referendum proposal 'will be starved of funding'.
Siobhan O'Connor Sixmilebridge contacted the show to air her anger over the fact that tax-payers money was being used to fund pre-marriage courses in the first instance and questions Tulsa's priorities. Siobhan says the people tasked with protecting the most vulnerable in our society who are at risk of abuse in their homes – this agency says it cannot afford enough social workers to deal with children at risk yet it can afford to give money for this nonsense.
Fr. Pat O 'Neill Parish Priest of Ruan / Dysart Parish and Clare 250 Mile Cycle Co-Ordinator of the Pilgrimage to Lourdes spoke to us next ahead of this weekend's 36th Annual Clare 250 mile Cycle. All proceeds to the Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Clare 250 Cancer Centre Ruan. Log onto clare250milecycle.com for more information and get out to support your local cyclist over the weekend.
Morning Focus Friday Panel
Our panel of three guests from around the county including Martin McMahon Chairman of Clare ICMSA, Eleanor Feely Ennis Artist and Theatre Director
and Diarmuid McMahon Director Sherry FitzGerald McMahon, Ennis join us in studio to take a look back at this week biggest news stories.
On the agenda this week was the captivating story of Baby Maria, the Referendum on lowering the Presidential Age, The Marriage Referendum, Prince Charles Visit to the Burren this coming week and briefly the lack of public toilets / Facilities around the county.
Weekend Events
Tomsie O' Sullivan, Chairman and Secretary of RNLI Fundraising Committee spoke to us ahead of the "Safety at the Sea" Display this Sunday May 17th from 11am to 4.40pm at Lahinch beach with Lifesaving demonstrations, RNLI Lifeboat Demonstrations and Irish Red Cross – lifesaving methods techniques.
Terence Mangan Member Lions Club Ennis spoke to us next ahead of a Fundraising appeal in the Square Ennis this Saturday to raise finds for long term redevelopment of Nepal – support earnestly requested. There are much needed funds for long Term requirements such as: to rebuild homes, hospitals, schools and the country's infrastructure.
After Wednesday's show, John met even more of the Living Scenes group from Tulla including Don Purcell who's well know to us on the show, and Denis Brady from Dangan who offered to sing a song which summed up the message of the Living Scenes group – "Never Grow Old"
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