Today on Morning Focus, we discussed how An Bord Pleanala have refused Coastal Protection works for Doonbeg.
Plans for coastal protection works at Trump’s Doonbeg Hotel and Golf Resort have been rejected. The controversial plans had been given the green light in 2017 – a decision which was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanala. Now, the planning authority has overturned the Council’s decision, saying it isn’t satisfied that the proposed development would not result in adverse effects on the physical structure, functionality and sediment supply of dune habitat in the Carrowmore Dunes Special Area of Conservation. To discuss this further Rita McInerney, Doonbeg cafe owner and activist and Liam Ryan, PRO Doughmore Coastal Protection Group joined us on air.
If you missed it, you can listen back below:
Following from that, a bit later in the show, we were joined on the line by Tony Lowes, one of the directors of Friends of the Irish Environmentalists as he welcomes the rejection of coastal protection at Doonbeg. We spoke to locals in Doonbeg earlier about the decision by An Bord Pleanala to reject plans for coastal protection there. The Friends of the Irish Environment have welcomed the news.
You can listen back below:
Next on the show, Fine Gael TD Joe Carey joined us on the line as the Dáil will sit for the third time later to pass emergency legislation to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. It includes allowing the government to detain people who have the virus and refuse to self-isolate. It also gives a legal footing to the enhanced welfare supports for people whose jobs have been hit. Just a third of TDs have been asked to come to Leinster House to allow for social distancing in the Dáil chamber.
Next on Morning Focus after the news headlines, we were joined on air by Sharon Cahir of Cahir and Co Solicitors for some legal advice regarding situations some people have found themselves in during the Covid-19 crisis.
If you missed it, you can catch it below:
Our Morning Focus Book Club returned then on the show as we chatted about the book ‘A Very English Scandal’ by John Preston. Cora Gunter, Clare County Library Service and Brian Comerford, Kilrush, member of two local book clubs including one non-fiction book club joined us on the airwaves to tell us what they thought of the book.
You can listen back below:
To wrap up today’s Morning Focus, we heard from two GAA Groups In Ballina and Killaloe as they are rallying together for their communities. Smith O Brien’s GAA in Killaloe have organised a Covid-19 Volunteer Group which are aiding those who are vulnerable in O’Brien’s Bridge, Killaloe Parish and Bridgetown. Liaising with this group is the Ballina GAA Volunteer Group as they are also aiding people in the locality who may not be able to leave their homes. The group are associated with local GPs, Chemists, Parish Priest, Family Resource Centre and Tipperary Volunteer Services (PPN), Killaloe Garda Station.
Both groups are eager to help people get prescriptions, groceries or deliver any other urgent supplies.
Cllr Tony O’Brien, Killaloe and Gerard McKeogh, Secretary of Ballina GAA joined us on air to tell us more about the work they are doing.
