Standards of cleanliness in Clare's major towns has increased, according to a major survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL). Morning Focus opened by looking at the findings, which show Shannon to be among the cleanest towns in Ireland. It's now 6th position in the ranking of 40 towns and cities and deemed 'Cleaner than European Norms'. Ennis also recorded one of its best results in years. It's now in 14th position.
Gavin spoke to IBAL spokesperson Conor Horgan.
A new report shows there's been a surge in the popularity of Airbnb, despite critics claims that it's adding to the country's housing shortage.
There were over 6-thousand properties to rent on Airbnb in Dublin last month.
Of those 45 per cent were offering one room or more according to the Irish Times.
However housing expert Dr Lorcan Sirr (of DIT) is also warning about the impact of obsolescence in our housing stock.
Gavin was joined on the line by Dr Lorcan Sirr of the Dublin Institute of Technology
August saw a further fall in the number of people on the live register in Clare.
9 people left dole queues last month, while the live register in West Clare is at its lowest level in nearly eight years.
996 people are currently signing on in West Clare.
This marks a monthly fall of 23, and is the first time the figure has been below 1,000 since late 2008.
There were also falls in other parts of the county last month – down by 11 in North Clare and by 4 in East Clare, with the totals in both areas standing just over 1,000.
Ennis saw a fall of 15 to 3851.
The total number of people on Clare's live register is now 6928, down by over 12.5% year-on-year.
Gavin was joined for a discussion by Cllr Mary Howard FG, Ennis MD, CCC and Cllr Michael Hillery FF, West Clare MD, CCC
The cost of motor insurance is a regular cause of concern for listeners to Morning Focus. Gavin spoke to Barry Aldworth of the AA on new research showing rising premiums are wiping out the savings made by recent falls in fuel prices.
If you're a gentleman wearing a suit today, we'd like to ask you a question. What colour are your shoes? If they're brown, it might surprise you to know that you may be creating the wrong impression – particularly if you work in a conservative profession like law or finance. And it's not just a matter of personal taste. New research from the UK's Social Mobility Commission found that job seekers could be overlooked when applying to finance houses and banks – on the basis of wearing brown shoes.
To find out whether footwear really affects your chances of a job, or a promotion, Gavin spoke to Sean Dunleavy of Patrick Burke Menswear, Ennis and Kilrush.
Parenting can be tricky at the best of times, but there can be particular challenges – and rewards – when you kids hit the adolescent years.
To help with issues like communication and conflict, the North Clare Family Resource Centre is offering the Parents Plus Programme for parents of kids aged 11+. The course which runs for eight weeks also promises to help you get to know your teen better and maintain a positive relationship.
Gavin was joined from Ennistymon by Barbara O Conchubair, Community Development and Family Support Worker, North Clare Family Resource Centre.
Parents Plus Adolescent Course will run in Ennistymon on Mondays 7-9pm from Sept 19 – Nov 14 €15/course
The sports panel was comprised of Derrick Lynch, Clare FM Sport and Eoin Brennan, The Clare People.
A lot of us will still be winding down after a wonderful Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, and taking a bit of a break, but the same could not be said for my next guest. Toonagh's Tola Custy is gearing up for a major performance at glor later this month for Culture Night (September 16).
He's part of a new collaboration with the talented dancer Colin Dunne, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and uilleann piper David Power. It's called 'Edges of Light' and it's been described as “a sparkling kaleidoscope of melody and rhythm inspired by the natural sounds and shimmering patterns of light that announce Ireland’s day”. Tola Custy joined Gavin live in studio.
