Morning Focus opened with a discussion on free parking provision in the run up to Christmas. We've heard many times on this show about the importance of developing and supporting retail in the centre of Ennis. One of the annual initiatives involves offering free parking in the run up to Christmas. This year, there's to be an expansion on the scheme offered last year (free parking from noon on Saturdays only), with free parking between Thursday and Saturday after 3pm.
Morning Focus opened with a discussion on free parking provision in the run up to Christmas. We've heard many times on this show about the importance of developing and supporting retail in the centre of Ennis. One of the annual initiatives involves offering free parking in the run up to Christmas. This year, there's to be an expansion on the scheme offered last year (free parking from noon on Saturdays only), with free parking between Thursday and Saturday after 3pm.
It's hoped to avoid issue s encountered last year whereby spaces in car parks were taken up by workers with only a few available in the window before 12pm. It's also hoped that shoppers will avail of early evening
Gavin spoke with Cllr Johnny Flynn and Will Cahir, Vice President of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, who tabled a motion at the December meeting of the Ennis MD calling for a reduction of the minimum €1.30 per hour charge for the town's car parks to €1. He says this is to be considered at a workshop in January.
Free parking will be available from Thursday to Saturday, after 3 o'clock in the afternoon between December 8 and January 10.
As you may remember the issue of staff-less libraries is one that's been in the news in recent weeks, with proposals mooted to introduce such a system – at least on a part-time basis – in a number of locations, including Ennis. It's one of 23 local authority areas which have been chosen to run a so-called 'open library' system.
We've heard about the opposition of library staff and today heard from Siobhán O'Connor, a Sixmilebridge listener who is a strong advocate for fully staffed libraries.
Morning Focus then turned its attention to the issue of rural crime and a spike in burglaries and anti-social behaviour in our towns, which has put the spotlight in recent years on Garda resources. With a new batch of probationary Gardai ready to take up their beats, there's concern that none of them will be deployed to the Clare Garda Division.
The decision of Garda Commissioner has been confirmed by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, who has told the Dáil how Clare is among twelve Garda Divisions who have missed out on this occasion.
Gavin discussed the issue with Dep Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil spokesperspon on Communications, Environment & Natural Resources
The heritage, history and culture of Clarecastle and Ballyea are celebrated in a new publication which has been completed just in time for Christmas.
Clarecastle and Ballyea – Land and People 2 covers a range of topics from life in the area in palaeolithic times to the potential, in the modern era, for foraging for wild food.
The book will be officially launched tomorrow night (Wed.s, Dec. 7) in Power's Lounge Clarecastle at 8pm.
This is the second publication of the Clarecastle/Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Group
Gavin was joined in studio by Eric Shaw and Catherine O'Connor, both members of Clarecastle/Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Team.
There's no doubt that Morning Focus's next guests do some of the most important work in the county in terms of protecting life and property.
They're among 31 Clare firefighters who've been honoured for their long service to the county.
Gavin was joined by Michael Flanagan of Ennis Fire Brigade. Michael himself was in receipt of a 20 Year Award. He will be retiring from the Fire Service in 2017. Also involved in the discussion was Paul Moroney of Kilrush Fire Brigade. Paul was part of the group involved in instigating the presentation of these awards, and he, himself, was in receipt of the 10 Year Award, presented to him by Cathaoirleach Councillor Bill Chambers.
An overview of the work of the fire service was given by Adrian Kelly, Clare Chief Fire Officer.
Gavin was then joined by Frankie Coote, Clare County Dog Warden.
Taking up the mantle of director of a festival which has been running successfully for 11 years is now mean feat, but it's the challenge facing one of my next guests.
Paul Perry is a critically acclaimed author, with an impressive CV, which includes a number of award winning collections of poetry as well as fiction and short stories.
He's the author of five critically acclaimed collections of poetry, including, most recently, Gunpowder Valentine. Writing under the pseudonym, Karen Perry, he is also the co-author of three bestselling psychological thrillers published by Penguin Random House, the most recent of which is Girl Unknown. He teaches creative writing at University College, Dublin, and his love of books has made him a life-long reader, as well as a writer, an activist and curator of literary events throughout Ireland.
Paul has already put many programming highlights in place for the 2017 Ennis Book Club Festival, running from March 3-5, 2017.
Paul will be working closely with festival chairperson Emer O'Connell, who both joined Gavin in studio.
Never too late to learn
Gavin's next guests are about to launch a guide to the hidden gems located along the Wild Atlantic Way. It's a guide with a difference as it was produced by students on the Clare Adult Basic Education Service (CABES) (for the last two year). This involves training in Office Administration and the Clare Tourism programme (both with an element of IT). Students had to Idenify a project to undertake. Most would have a love of Clare. They felt most brochures focused on the big attractions but overlooked the places they preferred themselves. After visiting the locations, they produced the brochure. They produced the text and the pictures for the brochure and interviewed the tourism providers. They also included the GPS coordinates.
The students involved were Uzma Ahmed, Rose Daly, Noel McInerney, Monica McMahon and Maria Murphy.
The guide will be launched on Thursday night (Dec. 8) at 6.30pm at Clare Museum. The students worked with John Rhattigan of the Museum on the project.
Gavin was joined in studio by Laura Roland, adult education tutor and by Rose Daly and adult education participant.
