Clare County Council is set to receive a reprieve in its funding cut from government
The local authority is set to be refunded the portion of the local government fund withheld by the Environment Minister earlier this year, on account of the high household charge compliance rate here
Phil Hogan held back over 240 thousand euro from the local authority in July, in an effort to boost household charge compliance levels across the country
He’s now telling Councils that if 65% of their residents pay the charge by mid-November, then this money will be refunded
However, here in Clare 67% of people have already paid the 100 euro fee
His announcement comes just a day after Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil, local authorities couldn’t withhold grant monies to encourage payment of the household charge
On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Shannon Independent Councillor Patricia McCarthy who said
the Mayor could have been informed of the council’s plans but the outcome has lead to the restoration of badly needed funds
This week is National Digital Switchover Week
Yvonne Roughan is the Digital Outreach Champion with the Clare Local Development Company
She has been going to active retirement groups, day care centres all week giving people information on Saorivew
She urged people to assist vulnerable, elderly neighbours or people who may be up to speed on the switchover
For more information go to www.goingdigital.ie / www.saorview.ie
There is so much going on in the county for Culture Night – all events are listed on www.culturenight.ie
Two books will be launched in Ennis as part of a NRA dedicated series on archaeological investigations on national road projects
Borderlands deals with archaeological investigations along the route of the M18 Gort to Crusheen road scheme and Beneath the Banner with the archaeology of the M18 Ennis Bypass and the N85 Western Relief Road
John Rattigan, Curator of the Clare Museum and NRA Archaeologist Jerry O’Sullivan joined John in studio to discuss the descoveries
Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and joined John in studio to impact some medical advice
Today Fr Finn focused on blood pressure issues
You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email [email protected], but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP.
The Burren Ramble which has now become one of the major fundraisers for the RNLI Lifeboat fleet will take place on Sunday – Joe Queally of the RNLI in Ennis had the details
A Youth Graffiti Jam, an afternoon where young up and coming Graffiti Artists from the Clare area will be creating their artworks on provided boards in a public area this Saturday from 2 til 6 pm, down at the Riverpark in Scarriff – Nathalie ElBaba of the Young People’s Art Exhibition – Scarriff explained
Cystic Fibrosis Charity TLC4CF are hoping people will get involved in and support the North Clare TLC4CF Cycle which takes place this Saturday
It begins at 10.30am Kilnaboy National School
The routes: 120km – Scenic Burren, Atlantic Coast, Fr. Teds
40km – Scenic Burren, Fr. Ted’s and the 10km – Scenic Burren
Entry Fee: €30 for 40km and 120km routes. €10 for 10km
Marcella Clancy gave the details and encouraged people to support – see www.tlc4cf.com or register on the morning before 10am
Siobhan Tierney of the Clare Bra 10K Walk & Run taking place on Sunday explained that it is raising money for Breast Cancer Research
It starts at 11am at the West County Hotel – she urged people to come along and wear a bra or something pink- €30 sponsorship required to enter
On Sunday An Taisce Green-Schools travel and Transition towns Ennistymon will make an attempt to break the record of 80 bikes being repaired in one 3 hour session in the Teach Ceoil Ennistymon from 2pm to 5.30pm
Róisín Ní Ghairbhith of An Taisce’s Green-Schools Programme urged people to come along
Aine Hensey of the Clare Institute for Traditional Studies encouraged people to come along to Culture night tonight – there is an open night in Aras OaC in Miltown Malbay
The Ennis Fringe Festival 2012 will run from today until Sunday
Music venues include Brandon’s, Tom Steele’s and The Rowan Tree
At various other venues will be performance artists, photographers, artists, installations and another chance to see Kelly Gulfoyle’s bittersweet comedy play ‘Commencing’ by Jane Shepherd
Peter Dooley of the Ennis Fringe Festival Committee spoke about the different events taking place
If you have a story for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
