On Tuesday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Athens is unlikely to meet today's deadline to repay a massive loan to the International Monetary Fund. There'll be a referendum this weekend on new bailout terms – which would mean cuts, and changes in areas like pensions and taxes. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras last night urged voters to reject Sunday's referendum, while Taoiseach Enda Kenny has written to him saying the door remains open for more talks. Damian Mac Con Uladh a freelance journalist spoke to us live from Corinth an hour outside Athens with the latest there.
An award of ten thousand euro is being offered for information about one of the largest ever thefts of livestock in the State. 75 cattle and 25 sheep were taken from Niall Dillon's farm between Kilbeggan and Tyrelllspass in Co Westmeath last Thursday. Only four animals were left behind. Gardai are investigating and it's believed two trucks may have been involved. The Westmeath branch of the Irish Farmers Association has offered an award of ten thousand euro for any information. Andrew Dundas Clare Chairperson IFA spoke to John.
Clare FF TD Timmy Dooley has expressed concern amid reports that mobile phone coverage in the county has deteriorated recently. Deputy Dooley commented: “I have been contacted a number of times in recent weeks about worsening phone coverage in the county that doesn’t seem to be specific to any one provider. Mobile signals have deteriorated which is impacting not only on general customer’s personal use but also on businesses in Clare. Deputy Dooley says he will be raising this issue with Communications Minister Alex White, concluding that this Government has focussed almost all of its efforts for the last four years in shoring up urban centres at the expense of rural communities. Deputy Dooley explained his concerns to Morning Focus – with a number of you getting in touch across the county with phone service issues.
Two of Clare’s organisations are set to receive €40,000 for healthcare-related and social care services under the latest round of National Lottery Grants from the Department of Health. This is the first of two announcements that will take place this year, in which the Department of Health provides once-off grants to organisations to community groups and voluntary organisations. The two organisations ·Clare Crusaders €20,000 ·Irish Wheelchair Association Clare €20,000. Ann Norton of Clare Crusaders and Johnny Crawford Community Employment Supervisor Irish Wheelchair Association Ennis both spoke to John and both welcoming the funding that is vital to their work going forward.
Shannon mother of two and IT worker Claire McCarthy runs the popular clairewiththehair blog covering topics related to health and fitness, food and fashion. She’s recently competed as a finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2015 in the Food and Lifestyle Category. She also contributes to RSVP Magazine. Today Claire told us about a new Munster Blogging Network established this week and are looking at getting bloggers in Munster to get together. Also, a Charity Cookbook in association with Stop Cyber Bullying that will include receipes from Chefs around Ireland and Clare with The Hair, receipes focused in particular on favourite “Comfort Food”.
Edel Barry PRO Kilfenora Timeline filled us in on the Summer Schedule for the Kilfenora Timeline including various specialist talks taking place throughout the summer and the historical richness of the area presented for visitors in the Church of Ireland Cathedral in Kilfenora. The timeline is staffed by local volunteers with all monies raised going back into the community.
Frankie Coote Clare ISPCA Officer and CountyDog warden joined us in studio with Animal welfare issues from around the county including an update on spancilhil last week and offered advice for dog owners when having them on the beach. Should you need assistance, Ennis Dog Pound 68 20393
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