The Garda Representative Association is warning that more rural station closures will cause irreparable damage – through a reduction in the level of policing at their annual conference that has been taking place in Athlone this week
Delegates at the convention have also been debating motions on recruitment, pay cuts, morale and the legal system
On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with John Parker- the incoming President of the GRA.
Joe Carey TD of Fine Gael discussed this and the issue of water after Taoiseach Enda Kenny didn’t ruled out cutting off the water supply to householders who do not pay their water charges
He also told the Dail yesterday that he cannot say how much the average water bill will be once charging begins in 2 years time
Enda Kenny said there would be a free allocation to households but he warned that people who do not pay for other services such as phone or ESB are cut off
And he said it has still to be decided if the same should apply for people who do not pay their water bill
We also heard from Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes who has accused the government of failing to convince ratepayers across the county of the benefits of centralising water services in terms of the level and quality of service that will be provided
In a hard hitting statement Cllr Pat Hayes claims the government has only provided a "drip feeding of information" which he believes has contributed to considerable misinformation being fed into the public domain about the proposed move
The Mayor went on to warn that serious questions remained over the implications of the transfer for the future employment of water staff at the county council- despite the Taoiseach stating that no local authority staff member would lose their job
Cllr Hayes added that significant monies were spent by Clare County Council on water services over the years and is calling for that money to be reimbursed.
Kanchi is a not-for-profit disability organisation that works to change mindsets and behaviours
Caroline Casey- its founder- is a visually impaired social entrepreneur who described by the Wall Street Journal as ‘the woman who redefined inspiration’
She will be in Clare next Wednesday to address a business gathering at Dromoland Castle Hotel’s Brian Boru Hall at 6.30pm
Better known across the globe than in the west of Ireland for her inspirational and motivational speeches, Caroline’s presence in Co Clare promises to be enlivening, entertaining and enlightening
An ardent promoter of vision and belief as key motivators for success, the topic of the address, chosen by Caroline herself is: ‘Impossible is an Opinion – the Business Advantage of Thinking Differently’
John spoke with Caroline about her remarkable story and coming to Clare. Contact Karen on 065 6844007 or email [email protected]
Young Ennis woman Maureen Lavery bravely battled cancer for 13 months but sadly died in January of this year at the age of 27
The young beautician is sadly missed by her family and many friends throughout Ennis but they want to celebrate her inspirational life and have organised a number of events for the near future including the Maureen Lavery Pink Angel Ball
John Cooke spoke with Ciara Earlie, one of Maureen’s many friends, and to Maureen’s grieving mother Mairead Lavery who started by telling me a bit about her precious daughter
The Pink Angel Ball will take place in the Clare Inn Hotel on the 26th of May
Organisers are holding a launch night in Dan O’Connell’s Bar in Ennis on Friday.
Tickets are available from Rochfords Pharmacy, Ennis and Carries Cakes in Ennis.
The Burren Ecotourism Network organised a painting competition for the 4th and 5th classes of Green National Schools in the Burren . 5 took part Newquay, Corofin, Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaughan and Ennistymon.The subject was ” Ecotourism in The Burren”
Gordon D’Arcy headed the judging panel and presented the prizes at the opening yesterday
The exhibition of Winners paintings and runners up are on exhibition at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna for the next 2 weeks. open 10-5 weekdays and Thursday evenings. The winner Theo Martin from Ballyvaughan won a prize for his class of a half day outing to the Boghill Centre, Kilfenora, with an ‘ Interaction with Nature’ Treasure Hunt and eco picnic lunch. He also received an individual prize of an easel and watercolour set from the Burren Painting Centre, Lisdoonvarna
The runners up received a T shirt from the Cliffs of Moher Centre and a Voucher for art materials from the Art and Craft Company in Ennis
Chris O’Neill of the Burren Painting Centre spoke with John.
John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio to answer listeners’ livestock and pet health queries.
If you have a story for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
