On Thursday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
There's renewed concerns about controversial plans to extract water from the River Shannon following a meeting with Irish Water. Representatives from the water utility company met with Killaloe Municipal Disctrict Councillors in Scarriff on Wednesday to discuss plans to increase water supply to the Mid-lands and Dublin. Four proposals, three of which involve water being taken from the river Shannon at Lough Derg are still being considered but no decision will be made until October. However, Whitegate Councillor Pat Burke now fears that the option of a desalination plant in Dublin has been ruled out. Cllr Burke and Tony O Brien FF Cllr Killaloe both spoke to John
A new report has found that children as young as nine are gambling in Ireland. The study by UCD identifies that 86 per cent of people gambling in Ireland are men, with up to 40 thousand people currently addicted to gambling.The report is calling for a National Gambling Strategy, including new laws to stop the growth of problem gambling. Dr Crystal Fulton Senior lecturer at the school of Information and Library Studies at UCD and Report Author says for young people, it starts with children being exposed to gambling at home – She joined us on the show this morning.
President Joachim Gauck of Germany and Ms Daniela Schadt accompanied by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Tom Hayes TD, walked the farm of James Droney in Ballyvaughan, yesterday – where the farmer outlined Bord Bia`s Origin Green programme and how Ireland, through this unique national initiative, aims to be a world leader in producing food sustainably. James Droney explained what the visit entailed.
As many as five people were injured by Dusty (or ‘Sandy’ as the dolphin is sometimes called) the previous summer, around Doolin harbour. The dolphin’s still in and around Inis Oírr this summer – and her latest encounter with a human happened to involve a rather high-profile bather: Barnardos CEO Fergus Finlay.
Speaking about the experience the former Labour party adviser explained that he had been swimming with his grandchildren when Dusty began to circle. At first, he thought she was being playful – but then her mood began to change. Mr Finlay was headbutted in the legs by the mammal, and at one point became fearful she was going to swim underneath him and flip him over – He shared his experience and some advice for listeners with John.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre. Today Dr Finn answered your general medical queries aswell as the Do's and Dont's when searching medical advice online. Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Thursday for more medical advice. You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email [email protected], but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
The unique history, heritage and folklore of Scattery Island and West Clare is set to be explored in a new lecture series organised by the (Office of Public Works) OPW guide service on Scattery Island. The lecture series will start at 7.30pm on Friday 17th July in Teach Cheoil, Grace Street, Kilrush with a talk by historian and author Michael Houlihan on the holy wells of County Clare including Saint Senan's well on Scattery Island. This will be followed a fortnight later with a lecture by local historian Dr. Tomas Mac Con Mara on the life and legacy of Brian Boru who fought a fierce battle with the Vikings on Scattery in the year 975. Admission is completely free. Those interested in more detail should contact the Scattery Island Visitor Centre on 0879958427 or visit facebook.com/scatteryislandvisitorcentre. Dr Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc Manager Scattery Island Visitor Centre and OPW Heritage Sites in the Shannon Region joined John in Studio with more.
The Classical Thursdays Summer Concert series is currently underway in St. Columba's Church on Bindon street. Clare Fms Sara McNamara met with Helen Houlihan creator of this series and also spoke with Star of the most recent recital Soprano Viginia Kerr and sampled the beautiful music on offer. Next up on the series is Norah King Mezzo Soprano taking to the stage at St Colmba's Church on Thursday next July 23rd at 1.10 PM
If you have a comment or suggestion for the show please email [email protected]
