On Morning Focus today John Cooke spoke with Mark Fielding, Chief Executive of ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Group. ISME says that 54% of requests for credit from SME’s were turned down by the banks The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association has reported an increase in the rate at which banks are refusing credit to small and medium businesses. In its latest credit watch, ISME noted that 54% of requests for credit from SME’s were turned down by the banks. This compares to 50% the previous three month period.
Dave Brocklebank from Burren Yoga in Cappamore, Kinvara also joined the show to talk about the Burren Broadband Initiative. Dave has started an initiative to get people to come together to approach the local broadband providers to improve their service. For more details see http://www.burrenyoga.com/broadband
They already have over 60 businesses in the Burren on board and over 40 individuals who have filled out their broadband survey.
Éamonn Meehan is the Executive Director of Trócaire and spoke to John about this year’s Lenten campaign. Worldwide, 783 million people do not have access to clean, safe water. This year's Trócaire Lent Campaign is about the global water crisis. Drier climates across sub-Saharan Africa are leaving communities struggling without enough water for drinking, sanitation and growing food.
Breandáin MacFhionnghaile from an Clar as Gaeilge discussed Seachtain na Gaeilge and what’s happening locally for the international Irish language festival, one of the biggest celebrations of our native language and culture that takes place each year in Ireland and in many other countries. This year’s festival is running until 17th March 2014.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer was in studio appealing for public assistance in solving recent local crime. He also spoke about National Crime Prevention Day of Action against Burglary – on Wednesday March 12th.
Micheal O’Riabhaigh is the Chairperson of the Working Group for the Ennis Bid for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and joined John following the news that the Fleadh Cheoil is going to Sligo – again – for 2015. They discussed whether the group in Ennis disappointed for another year or does this pave the way for the major traditional music event to come to Clare in 2016 and possible even 2017 too?
John Murphy from the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland answered your bird and wildlife queries and talked about reaction to the shooting of one of Mountshannon’s White Tailed Sea eagles.
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