Morning Focus began with a look at Shannondoc. Well, last week saw the introduction of controversial changes to the Shannondoc services in Killaloe, Kilrush and Ennistymon. They mean that the out-of-hours GP services for Killaloe area are provided by a mobile doctor on weekdays. Services in Kilrush and Ennistymon have been re-located to Miltown Malbay although a new telemedicine service is now in place in Kilrush. Shannondoc says they've been forced to enact the changes die to a falling number of GPs, but there's been criticism for doctors (not just from some members of the public) but from a former chairman of the service. Gavin was joined on the line by Dr Brendan Thornton, former Shannondoc Chairman.
Talk then turned to the water charges. The thorny issue of water charges is now back on the political agenda. They could be on the way back folks. A committee to consider charges is due to be established this week, with Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh as its chair. Over the weekend it was revealed that the report of the Expert Commission on Water Charges, which the new committee will consider, could conclude that some form of charge is needed so that Ireland meets its legal obligations under EU directives. It's also reported that Fianna Fáil may consider a "minimal" water charge. Niall O'Connor, political correspondant with independent news & media joiend Gavin on the line.
While the 8th of December has traditionally marked the busy period in terms of Christmas preparations and Christmas shopping, it's recently been overtaken by days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. New trends from the US now mean traditional retailers are under more pressure than ever to compete with the big multiples who offer discounts on these days and the online retailers who don't have the same pressure to pay charges like rent and rates. Retail Excellence Ireland, based here in Ennis, notes that there's now an expectation in shoppers minds that there will be some discounts or offers available, and that this poses a significant challenge for Irish SMEs already under pressure from Brexit led changes in shopping patterns. Lynne Drumgoole, Director of Communications, Retail Excellence Ireland joined Gavin on the line.
Next we had our Money Doctor segment with John Lowe, Independent Financial Consultant.
We all know how hard it is nowadays to get a job. With zero hours contracts and demands for increased flexibility in the workplace, employment has never been more difficult to secure. Now consider what it's like trying to get a job if you've got a disability. If you have a disability, or acquire one, your chances of employment are hugely affected. According to the CSO than one third (30%) of people with a disability are in work, compared with around two-thirds (62%) of the overall population. At a major conference on the issue Minister Finian McGrath pledged to step up efforts to support those with disabilities in finding a job. Gavin was joined on the line by Anne-Marie Flanagan, Disability Activist.
Next on the show we had Frankie Coote, Clare County Dog Warden.
An Ogonelloe man has acquired a very unusual musical instrument that'll be used at the end of this month celebrate the anniversary of the birth of former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Yes, you heard that correctly. Gerry O'Brien of The Churchill Arms in Kensington recently bought a violin made from cigar cases owned by the late PM. On November 30th, the unique instrument will be played to mark the event. Gerry O'Brien, Manager The Churchill Arms, Kensington, London joined Gavin on the line to tell him about his purchase.
Young people of Ennis I’ve got some exciting news for you. Ennis’ Hub Café has reopened and is hoping to be the place to go for 18-25 year olds to hang out, relax, listen to music and enjoy some terrific coffee. There’s a lot planned for the winter for the Hub such as live gigs, yoga sessions and digital media training courses. To tell us more Gavin was joined by Mike Gavin, youth worker with Clare Youth Services.
Ennis has been picked to take part in a pilot project focusing on revitalising historic town centres around the country. The town will take part in the National Town Centre Health Check (TCHC) programme, which is operated by The Heritage Council, RGDATA and the Retail Consortium, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Irish Planning Institute. Noreen Twomey-Walsh, Household Linnens, Parnell Street and Cllr. Anne Norton, Mayor of Ennis, joined Gavin on the line.
And to finish the show. On Saturday night next (Nov. 26) in Cooraclare Community Centre some of the areas most talented men and women will take to the stage. Doors open 7pm. Show starts at 7.30pm sharp. Judges = Elle Marie O'Dwyer (singer in residence CCC), Oliver O'Donnell (showband musician), Aoibhin Garrihy (actress). Proceeds for Cooraclare Community Centre and Aware. Prize fund is €1,000 for the winner. *20 acts on the night (all were auditioned on last Saturday, Nov. 19 – singers, musicians, dancing (hip hop, step-dancing, ballet, etc.). Tickets available on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-8pm in Cooraclare Hall. Aisling Lillis from The West Got Talent organizing committee came on to tell Gavin more.
