Morning Focus began with a look at deposit rules being relaxed for first time buyers. First time buyers will only have to save a 10 percent deposit to buy a home under new rules announced this week by the Central Bank. The institution says the lending rules – which were introduced in February 2015 have largely worked as planned to dampen the rise in house prices. However critics of the rules said it meant buyers in Dublin struggled to save the necessary deposit, with average house prices higher in the capital than nationally. Gavin was joined live in studio by Diarmuid McMahon from Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon.
Next the show turned to pollution. Many of us really enjoy our seafood – whether it's in prawn cocktail or chowder. How would you feel, though, if you knew you were at risk of consuming dangerous plastics with your serving of prawns or mussels? This week, the organisation Coastwatch raised concerns about that they call 'micro litter' – tiny particles that are eaten by marine life and, in turn, make it into the human food chain. After an extensive survey of the coast, it found that ropes, fishing boxes and other materials contribute to the problem and they're calling for urgent action. Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch Europe International Coordinator, joined Gavin on the line.
Next on the show we had Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin on the line before his visit to Ennis for the yearly commemoration of Eamon DeValera.
The Clare Local Area Network will launch this year’s International 16 Day Campaign against Gender based Violence at the Civic Rooms, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis this afternoon (Fri. Nov. 25) from 12pm until 2pm. The theme chosen this year by the Clare area network is ‘Violence Against Women is everyone’s business’. Gavin was joined live in studio by Sharon O’Halloran, CEO of Safe Ireland and Elaine Dalton, Project Coordinator of Clare Women’s Network.
Following this we had a package from Michael Glynn, the Holy Family Senior School in Ennis joined together with UCD to produce the first in a series of science books for children entitled the Science Apprentice. The first book was all about space.
Next up was our weekly Arts Roundup:
Crafts – Woodstock Hotel / Doonbeg / Museum
Film – Hail Ceasar in Killaloe & Atlantic in glór
Visual Arts – Russell Gallery in New Quay
Literature – Reading in Kilrush on Saturday
Music – The Fureys in glor and Sean Keane in glór
As usual Gavin was joined by Siobhán Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer.
We were also told about an event happening this weekend, the Public Participation Network are holding their event ‘Green Shoots Gathering’ on Sunday 27th at Glór in Ennis. Sarah Clancy, Public Participation Network Coordinator, came on the line to let us know about the event.
A monument will be unveiled this weekend to honour the people of Clare who fought and died in World War 1. Around 4,000 people from the county were involved in the Great War, with 650 losing their lives in the fighting. Their sacrifice will be remembered with a memorial which will be located at Monastery Park, adjacent to Glor Theatre. The unveiling takes place on Sunday a 2 o'clock and Dr Keir McNamara of the Clare Peace Park Project says it's fitting to mark 100 years since the war ended. Dr McNamara and Dr Ger Browne joined Gavin on the show.
Next up we had our Friday Panel, guests this week were Bob Vernon, Former Anglican Minister and Member of West Clare Taking Care, Pat Kelly, Manager at Skycourt Shopping Centre, and Orla Vaughan, Kilfenora Hostel Owner. Topics discussed this week were: Central Bank Eases Mortgage Rules, Bill on Neutrality to be put in the Constitution, Papal Visit to Clare, Court Cases Highlight Concern over ‘Unfit’ Drivers and Heinz Advertisement Banned.
To finish up the show we had a TG4 show focusing on Kilfenora’s Music for an episode. The series ‘Hup’, renowned for its musician-centric take on contemporary trad, will celebrate Clare’s best and brightest. It’s also got the unusual quirk of having no presenter or narration. Gavin was joined by one of the musicians featured in the episode Mike Butler, an accordion player from Ennis.
