The Government’s unveiled a plan to create two-hundred-thousand jobs by 2020 – and half of them by 2016
It’ll see twenty-thousand in manufacturing, thirty-thousand in internationally traded services and the remainder in spin-off jobs
A loan guarantee scheme for Small and Medium Enterprises is included, along with a fund to support very small companies
The 121 page plan includes over 250 measures crossing all fifteen Government departments and dozens of State agencies
Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte, says it’s about exploiting our resources and competitive advantage, NOT the number of potential jobs
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he is determined to ensure the programme is delivered on
Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation Richard Bruton said offering a 4-thousand euro ‘finders fee’ for jobs created here from abroad by new companies is just one initiative.
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined by Deputy Political Editor with the Irish Independent Michael Brennan to discuss the plan.
Jill Kerby, Personal Finance Journalist with The Sunday Times discussed our online poll which is asking listeners if they have private health insurance?
• Yes- 43%
• Yes, but I’ve cut back on my cover – 15%
• No, never head it 20%
• No, I’ve cancelled my policy 21%
Government plans to centralise the running of water services in Ireland are to be met with resistance from Clare County Council.
With water charges coming down the line, the government is to set up a State company – Irish Water – which will be funded by domestic charges once meters have been installed, and public submissions on the plan are now being sought.
But a meeting in Ennis last evening heard calls for staff in the council’s water services section to down tools and take to the streets while other calls were made for unions to take action and threaten to "bring the country to its knees" by stopping water supplies.
All councillors backed a motion opposing the transfer of powers and assets from Clare County Council to Irish Water, and they’re also seeking clarification on the future of council staff employed in water provision and maintenance.
The calls were led by Cooraclare Councillor Bill Chambers who feels these services are best delivered locally
Councillors Gerry Flynn and PJ Kelly discussed this with John.
Artists and property owners interested in participating in the Ennis Access to Spaces Initiative (EASI) are being invited to attend a public information evening in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, on Monday at 6.15 pm
EASI is a new initiative from Ennis Town Council, Clare County Council and the Ennis Chamber of Commerce aimed at revitalising Ennis town centre by facilitating the use of unoccupied spaces in the town for commercial, creative and community use
EASI builds on similar initiatives established in other parts of the country, whereby landlords allow artists temporary use of vacant buildings whilst they try to attract new commercial clients
Ennis Chamber of Commerce has already begun identifying landlords who may potentially be interested in becoming involved in EASI
Ennis Chamber President Brian O’Neill and Siobhan Mulcahy, County Arts Officer joined John in studio to discuss.
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John with some advice on the proper care of animals and owners’ legal obligations
Today he discussed the initiative whereby pooper scoopers are to be given out free in Ennis
Contact Frankie on 087 622 5253. Contact the pound at 065 682 0393.
Congratulations to Claire Murray in Mullagh, Teresa McMahon from Kilrush and Ann McGann in Ennis- winners of our love poem competition!
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