On Thursday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Bus and Rail services to and from County Clare were up for discussion at this week's meeting of Ennis Councillors as representatives from Bus Eireann and Iarnrod Eireann answered questions on travel times, wheelchair access and staffing levels at the main Bus and Train station in the town.
Afterwards, John spoke to Miriam Flynn – Bus Eireann's Regional Manager for the South West about some of the points raised and the commitments she pledged to services to and from Ennis. Councillor Tom McNamara, who invited both transport organisations to the Council Meeting, spoke to John about some of his concerns.
Representatvies from Iarnord Eireann were also present at Aras Chontae an Chalir to face questions about rail services to and from the train station in Ennis. Jim Gallivan – the company's Business Development Manager told how Irish Rail has been growing services in this area.
Siobhan O'Donoghue from Kilmurry McMahon and Director of Uplift Ireland also joined the discussion following their recent protest at Ennis station on coordinating the train/bus timetable to suit services going and coming from West Clare. Also, Councillor Ann Norton joined us in studio to criticise rail authorities for what she regards as sub-par accessability at the station in Ennis. Iarnrod Eireann says funding is needed from the National Transport Authority to provide a lift there, and that this isn't currently available.However, Independent Councillor Norton, whose daughter is a wheelchair-user, feels Ennis isn't being treated as a priority.
Workers who took part in last week's strike at Dunnes Stores are now being victimised by managers.
That's according to the Mandate Trade Union which says some workers have been dismissed, while others have had shifts cut back. Around 6,000 workers took part in the strike last Thursday to protest against zero-hour contracts that can lead to unpredictable working hours. Karen Wall, Mandate Trade Union, Divisional Manager had more on this.
International Movement 'Suspended Coffee' is now coming to Clare and the folks at Nolan and Lambe Cafe Glòr are the first to get on board following the suggestion by Councillor Mary Howard. The concept of suspended coffee is based on an Italian goodwill tradition and involves paying for another coffee or tea, which can then be claimed by someone who can't afford it or who simply forgot their wallet… the idea is simple. Morning Focus producer, Edel Hynes met with Cllr Howard, Gemma Carcaterra the Director at Glór and Eoin Fanning, of Nolan & Lambe cafe to find out more about this good deed idea . . .
Henry Wilkinson, who recently moved to Kilnamona emailed Morning Focus to highlight that he and his fiancè are running their own business from their home in Kilnamona but the lack of broadband has resulted in they having to make daily trips to set up in Ennis Cafès. Henry says there can't be too many young couples living in Rural Ireland when this is the case. Henry and his wife run an outdoor activities company, wildfullstop.com and he is hoping that someone can help with getting broadband in the area.
Niamh Hourigan, Senior Lecturer at the School of Sociology and Philosophy, University College Cork
and well known Media Contributor joined John in studio to tell us about her ground-breaking survey which paints a picture of the Irish national character, from its colonial history to its current-day dramas. The Ireland that emerges is a country where outcomes are often decided by who rather than what you know, and where – for good or for bad – rules are sometimes made to be broken. You can read more about Niamh's findings in her book, ‘Rule-breakers: Why being there trumps being fair in Ireland’.
Going for Growth, a support initiative designed specifically for female entrepreneurs, launched its latest cycle in January 2015 following a competitive process. The 60 successful participants were selected from hundreds of applicants and three Clare women, Anna Behan, Ciara O’Halloran, and Malin Kelly, were among those selected. This network of enterprising women are aiming to significantly drive forward the growth of their businesses during the six-month programme. Malin Kelly of Modig Corporate Services Shannon and Ciara O'Halloran of The Redbank Food Company in the Burren both joined us in studio to talk about this Going For Growth initiative and how their journey in business is going so far.
Doonbeg Drama Group are putting on a Final Performance of Arthur Miller's The Price, this Saturday in Doonbeg Hall before competing at All Ireland finals in Kilmuckridge on Tuesday. Mary Egan, Producer spoke to John ahead of the competition.
Kilrush Choral Society this year is hosting 'South Pacific'. The plot focuses on racial prejudices while documenting two very different love stories.Although a slightly 'heavier' theme, Ger Rush, Musical Producer, reassures us it still offers all the light and fun of a classic musical including well known numbers such as Some Enchanted Evening. Morning Focus producer Edel Hynes spoke to Ger at the groups dress rehearsal to find out more. . . Performances kicked off on Tuesday and run through to Saturday April 11th at Kilrush Community School. Tickets are still available through the box office from 1pm to 5pm in Lillis Shop, Frances Street, Kilrush or call T: 086 2045 461. Tickets are also available at the door.
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