Morning Focus Monday 26th September

Fine Gael TD, Pat Breen joined Morning Focus live in studio to discuss his official visit to Washington, where he met with his United States counterparts on Capitol Hill.
As Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Breen arranged a number of meetings to highlight the important role that Shannon Airport has played in forging strong transatlantic relationships between both Countries and discussed the opportunities for the further strengthening of this role. While in Washington, he held meetings with the IMF and World Bank and with the US Chamber of Commerce. He also met with the IMF’s Managing Director, Christine Legarde and the Head of the IMF’s Team on Ireland, AJ Chopra.

Flan Quilligan, Tourism Product Development Manager at Shannon Development outlined a new tourism initiative in the Mid West. Shannon Development is seeking investors for a major visitor attraction on a 120 acre site next to the world famous Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The Bunratty Landbank project forms part of Shannon Development’s overall tourism product development strategy which this year will see work start on a €5.7 million re-development of King John’s Castle in Limerick. The Bunratty Landbank initiative was launched in the US last week as part of an overall investment campaign for the Bunratty project and other tourism initiatives in the region.  Research carried out by Shannon Development has identified a number of possible suitable projects for the site, among them a diaspora visitor centre and genealogy centre, and themed family adventure park.

Patricia Goan, spoke about he National Age Friendly Counties Programme which is launching an initiative in Clare this week. Organisers hope to reach right across the county to the 50 plus generation of Clare in developing the programme. At present the percentage of the population over 65 in this country is just under 12% but this figure is growing and the organisation wants to plan appropriately in a positive way by recognising the ageing population in our society as bounty and not a burden and an asset and resource within our community. The event is free and the group has invited everyone 50 plus across the county to attend at Glor tomorrow at 10am

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Also on today’s show;

Lean Kennedy, Access and Education Officer with the Irish Guide Dogs discussed the role her organisation plays for those with visual impairments. Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind are trying to raise awareness for their guide dog programme. There are many people who are visually impaired, yet who would never think of getting a guide dog as they’re not sure what to expect. In Co. Clare there are currently only two Guide Dog owners. There will be an information day at the Community Centre in Newcastle West on October 6th from 2-8pm. The theme is special needs in education and it is being organised by the local Community Centre. Irish Guide Dogs will have an information stand at this event which will be attended by Lean.

Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Ennis Garda Division joined Clare FM’s John Cooke in studio for our weekly Garda Focus feature.

John Lowe, The Money Doctor, answered your personal finance queries, in particular he gave listeners who have been made redundant tips and advice.
John Murphy of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland answered your bird and wildlife questions in our weekly wildlife feature.

If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus you can contact the show via email at [email protected] or by texting Clare FM, followed by your comment and name to 53030.