On today’s show Máire spoke with Bob Jordan, CEO of Threshold – the national housing charity. Desperate families are being forced to live in substandard accommodation due to rising demand and prices in the rental market, and the failure of local authorities to enforce minimum standards legislation. That’s according to Threshold, the national housing charity, which today launched its annual report for 2012. The report shows over 1,600 people contacted Threshold last year because of poor standards in their private rented homes. The most common problems included broken or ineffective heating systems, poor ventilation and dampness. In some cases, landlords were refusing to carry out repairs, and many properties had been neglected completely since the onset of the recession. If you want to contact Threshold or access more information please visit www.threshold.ie
Eamon Timmins from Age Action Ireland also joined the show, as the group are urging people to be mindful of their elderly neighbours and relatives as the weather worsens. They have a number of useful tips for older people to stay warm and safe throughout cold spells of weather this Winter – including wearing layers of clothing, moving around as much as possible and shopping around for the best energy deals. See www.ageaction.ie for more details
Aidan Courtney from the Ennis Book Shop was in studio and reviewed Rogerson’s Book of Numbers: The Culture of Numbers from 1001 Nights to the Seven Wonders of the World and also The Year’s at the Spring – an anthology of poetry featuring illustrations from Harry Clarke.
Special guest Ramona Nicholas from Dragon’s Den fame spoke to Máire Moynahan about her role as a dragon and what it takes to succeed in business today. Entrepreneurship has been a trait Ramona has demonstrated from her early childhood. She funded her Pharmacy Degree by providing Piano lessons every Saturday and giving coaching sessions to undergrads. She began investing in the property market at just 20 years of age, the profits from the sale of her first home was used to part finance the purchase of her first business, which she acquired at the age of 24. Ramona set up the company Cara Pharmacy in September 2002 with her now husband Canice, and the business experienced expansion very rapidly. A working mother herself, Ramona feels strongly about encouraging Female Entrepreneurship and the many ‘Balancing Act’ issues, facing modern women today. Dragons’ Den to return for a sixth series in 2014. Applications are now open and Third Level Students are invited to participate. To apply go to: www.bankofireland.com/dragons
Claire O’Meara from the Irish Cancer Society in Clare and Bridget Haren from Altamoda also joined Máire in studio as Altamoda are hosting an opening night on the 24th of November from 5.30 to 8pm. The hair salon is teaming up with the Irish Cancer Society who is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The event will take place in their new salon at Woodquay, Parnell Street, Car Park, Ennis. Hosting the night will be Aoibhinn Garrihy and Nigel Bridge. Also, there might be a surprise visit from the Liam McCarthy Cup and some of the Clare Team!
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