Local representatives in Lahinch are calling to the operators of surf-schools in the North Clare village to give newly introduced bye-laws a chance, despite claims that they are hampering trade and could cost jobs
Clare County Council has this week begun imposing bye-laws at Lahinch beach, which were designed to improve access to the promenade for walkers, swimmers and other visitors.
As a result, surf-schools have been allocated an area at the end of the beach, a move which they say has already damaged their trade
On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke continued the debate speaking with Donoch O’Loughlin, Chairperson of Lahinch Community Council and Lahinch businessman, who said he backed the council’s decision fully for the sake of all the beach users who come to the town
Danny Rutar lives in Inagh but is an Australian native
He has been living in Clare for 15 years and told John that he has seen Lahinch grow from a ghost town in this time to a vibrant tourist attraction based on surfing
He thinks these decisions are made by councillors that aren’t in touch with the age demographic or culture of those affected and called for better facilities for surfers in Lahinch.
The first five months of the year saw a 60 per cent increase in the number of calls to Ireland’s Senior Help Line
We’re being urged to check up on elderly neighbours during the holiday period, after a helpline for older people says it received over 10 thousand calls last year
The Senior Help Line says elderly people can feel especially vulnerable if their neighbours are away
A survey by the helpline shows pensioners are reporting being unable to sleep at night for reasons including fear of being burgled, and financial worries
Anne Dempsey, Head of Communications at Third Age who run the Senior Help Line, spoke with John
To contact the Senior Helpline lo-call 1850 440 444 between 10am-10pm.
Giveaway
To celebrate their amazing promotions now on instore Rochford’s Pharmacy on Parnell St in Ennis have given us five beauty hampers to give away each morning this week on Morning Focus
Each hamper is worth €250 and is packed with fantastic beauty products including Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Clarins and Chanel
New standards to govern child protection services have been unveiled by the Health Information and Quality Authority
Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald says they’re central to a new culture in our child protection system
HIQA says the 27 standards define how services should work to protect children in state services
Niall Byrne, Deputy Director of the Social Services Inspectorate at the Health Information and Quality Authority, explained the new standards.
Kilkee Civic Trust is holding the Third of four concerts tomorrow at 8pm at Kilkee Church, when Liam Lawton performs, "An intimate evening of songs and reflection"
Joseph McCloskey, Honorary Secretary of Kilkee Civic Trust, spoke about the ongoing restoration of the sea wall near Edmond’s Point.
ww.kilkeecivictrust.org
Aine Mae O’Mahony from Lahinch lost her sight five years ago after developing Glaucoma in her left eye and a detached retina in her right eye
Almost overnight her world changed as she suddenly lost her sight, but Aine Mae has used her condition to become an active and vocal advocate for people with disabilities – she is a spokesperson for the Fighting Blindness organisation
The Garland Weekend will take place this Saturday and Sunday
It is a two day charity event which aims to bring back garland Sunday in association with Fighting Blindness
Aine Mae joined John in studio for a chat
Contact Aine Mae by emailing [email protected]
INIS Dom! is an iniative in Ennis to promote the use of Gaelic whilst shopping
It aims to increase the visibility of Irish and raise the language’s profile and to direct the attention of the public to the functional use of Irish.
Breandán Mac Fhionnghaile, Clár as Gaeilge Development Officer and Brónagh Ní Choitir, INIS DOM! Manager joined John in studio to explain.
John Underhill of Burren Vets joined John for his weekly slot
Send us your queries for John Underhill
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
