Podcasts about ennistymon

Experts gathered this week in Ennistymon, Co Clare for the Hometree Changing Landscapes conference, exploring new ideas about nature conservation, including Junior Minister Healy-Rae's proposal to plant trees on bogs.

Today is not just the 15th of May: it's also Hello, How Are You Day. This mental health initiative is inviting everyone across Clare and the rest of the country – and beyond – to take a moment to say hello and really check in with the people around them. There will be events taking place in Clare, including a coffee morning for Hello, How Are You? Day in the North West Clare Family Resource Centre in Ennistymon later this morning (10am-11:30am). Alan has been speaking about all of this with Cillian Keane, Development Officer with Mental Health Ireland, based in Ennis... Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/hellohowareyoumhi/

Clare has been awarded over €3 million in funding for housing adaptation grants. Just under €2.7 million of this has been provided to this county through exchequer funding while a further 476,000 is estimated to be contributed by the local authority. It forms part of a national total of €117 million, with an increase of €10,000 in the maximum grant available under the Housing Adaption Grant for Disabled People also announced. Ennistymon-based disability rights activist, Ann Marie Flanagan, says the funding is welcome but is hopeful in time the full cost of works will be covered under the grant.

The number of people leaving University Hospital Limerick without completing tretament is said to be "deeply concerning". Of the 87,195 people who attended the emergency department in 2024, 6,062 left before fully receiving treatment. Midwest Hospital Campaign spokesperson Marie McMahon says the high volumes of attendees with no other option for care is contributing to the number of walk-outs. The Ennistymon native says an assessment of the hours at the Local Injury Unit and Medical Assessment Unit is needed to relieve pressure on the emergency department.

The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon is the venue once again for the Changing Landscapes conference. This is the second year of the event, hosted by Clare-based nature restoration charity Hometree. The theme for this year's conference is Beyond Good Intentions: Turning Rhetoric to Impact. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Development Lead Hometree, Ray Ó'Foghlú.

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Clare has dropped by 12.5% in the last year. At the end of April, 3,827 people were on the live register in this county, 550 fewer than this time twelve months ago. The Ennistymon electoral area saw the greatest drop with the unemployment rate reducing from over 1,000 last year to 643. Managing Director of the Ailwee Burren Experience and ISME Council Rep Nuala Mulqueeney says they've seen a modest spike in business.

A former Clare senator is urging the county's elected representatives fight for funding which she insists is "absolutely mandatory". It comes as the Ennistymon to Moyasta section of the West Clare Railway Greenway project has been denied funding by Transport Infrastructrure Ireland. In response to a parliamentary question from Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, TII says it will "give consideration to funding the progression of the Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta Greenway sections in 2026 taking cognisance of the limited funding available to TII generally and the many competing demands for such funding". Inagh-based Green Party Deputy Leader Róisín Garvey says it will be a waste of money and hard work if the project doesn't come to fruition.

Ennistymon will host a cultural event this Bank Holiday weekend. The free event will be held in the town centre on Monday (5th May). To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Chairman, Frank McNamara and Vice-Chairman, Maurice Harvey. Photo(C): Frank McNamara

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) has announced the first in a series of free ‘Citizen Science Water and Land training programmes'. The series will get underway on Saturday, 10th of May in Flagmount and Ennistymon. Building on previous biodiversity training offered by CLDC, these new, hands-on, immersive courses will focus on increasing community awareness and understanding of the rich biodiversity in the waters and on the land of County Clare. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Development Officer LEADER Programme, Deirdre Morrissey and Co-founder of Cork Nature Network, Gill Weyman. Photo(C): ClareFM

Traders on Ennis's main street are crediting pedestrianisation with allowing them to harness the economic opportunities presented by this week's hot spell. With temperatures hitting the mid-twenties across the county today, businesses are pulling out all the stops to ensure they see the benefit. It's expected to be the hottest day of 2025 so far and Met Éireann says it's keeping a "close watch" to see if it'll be the warmest April day in Ireland on record. The top temperature identified anywhere in the county in April is 25.8 degrees, which was experienced in Glenties in County Donegal in 1984. Shannon and Ennis is expected to see highs of 24 degrees this afternoon, while it'll be 23 degrees in Kilrush, Ennistymon, Killaloe and Scariff. The town's main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, is now fully-pedestrianised, and Head Gelato Maker at Gino's, Sam Toth says in his experience, the resulting atmosphere is "flawless". The Ennis Public Realm Regeneration project is still ongoing but is expected to be wrapped up by the end of this year. The appointed contractor, Shareridge, claims the O'Connell Square phase will conclude by the end of June while works in the Cathedral Zone will be completed by the end of September. Construction in the vicinity of Bank Place, Abbey Street and Barrack Street, meanwhile, are forecast to be finalised by the business end of December. Mark Kelly of the Diamond Bar is one business owner who's embraced the newly-pedestrianised O'Connell Street with outdoor seating and he says he fully welcomes the change. Some business in Ennis haven't known life without construction taking place outside the door and the dual ventures of entrepreneur Aoibhín Garrihy, Beo and The Well, are one example. Brand Manager Katie Hands claims the works have had little impact on the business's viability. She says on a balmy day like today, there's no better place to be.

Grave concern has been expressed for the future of the West Clare Railway Greenway. It's after Transport Infrastructure Ireland rejected a funding application from Clare County Council to progress the Ennistymon to Moyasta section of the route. TII has granted over €1.3m in funding to advance works along the Kilkee to Kilrush and Ennis to Ennistymon sections this year, and says it will give "consideration" to funding the route to Moyasta in 2026. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says local businesses are depending on the project to be delivered on time.

On Monday's Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art's Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week's live events for entertainment lovers in the Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about the embrace showcase in Glór, Grease in Ennistymon, the writing workshop in Scariff and much more.

This spring, the Ennistymon Choral Society is bringing the timeless energy of Grease: The Musical to the Ennistymon Community Centre. From April 30th to May 4th, audiences will be treated to toe-tapping tunes, slicked-back hair, and a whole lot of heart. It's a celebration of music, nostalgia, and the power of community storytelling. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Brendan Keane, Treasurer of the Ennistymon Choral society. Photo(C): Ennistymon Choral Society's Facebook

Appointment cancellations at Ennis Hospital rose by almost 75% last year. Figures released to Aontú show there were 281,996 appointments cancelled at hospitals around the country in 2024 which was up by more than 5% on the previous year. University Hospital Limerick saw 5,038 cancellations which was down 47% on 2023 while Ennis Hospital experienced a 74% surge with 1,559 procedures cancelled. Ennistymon-based Midwest Hospital Campaign spokesperson Marie McMahon has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the figures are "worrying" for people in Clare.

There are plans for a new medical centre which will see three North Clare medical practices amalgamate have been given a clean bill of health. The project, which will involve the redevelopment of an existing guest and dwelling house on the Lahinch Road in Ennistymon, will enable more complex procedures, treatments, and more besides. It's claimed 10 patients will be able to be treated at a time with 10 more able to be accommodated in the waiting room. To tell us more about it, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Kelleher who is a GP. Photo (c) studioroman via canva.com

The completion of major water works in North Clare has been tipped to improve the region's tourist season. Uisce Eireann has now replaced 550m of watermains at Sroohil (Shruh- hill) and a 900m section of cast iron pipes on Circular Road. The phased project was completed with the aim of reducing leakage and water supply disruptions. Manager of Uisce Eireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme Jack Cronin says it's a hugely positive development.

The HSE is being urged to end the "unacceptable" practice of unfunded ambulance shifts in Clare. It's understood ambulance cover in Ennistymon on Wednesdays, Scariff on Thursdays and Kilkee on Fridays is primarily secured through overtime or relief staff. The issue has come to prominence again following a number of high profile incidents locally, including reports of a student waiting over an hour for an ambulance after having a seizure at a North Clare school. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle says Clare is the poor relation compared to the rest of the country.

The new Ennistymon Rivers Festival will take place from the 4th - 6th May. Marking exactly 2 years since the fish kill on the Ballymacraven river, this free, family-friendly festival, celebrates how the local community worked together to restore and protect this river. The festival is designed for all ages and consists of a series of expert talks, engaging workshops, guided walks and kayaking trips along the river. The Ennistymon Rivers Festival will ensure that the Inagh and Ballymacraven river that flow through North Clare and Ennistymon remain a symbol of home, life and community. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin Nunan, Chairperson - Restore Ballymacraven River Association. Photo(C): Ennistymon Town Facebook page, Text: Canva

Today (Tuesday) will mark 20 years since Ennistymon native Emer O'Loughlin was murdered in Tubber. Her neighbour of the time, John Griffin remains the chief suspect and is believed to be on the run after having faked his own death. To discuss this further, Peter O'Connell was joined by Emer's sister Pamela O'Loughlin. Photo(C): Justice For Emer O'Loughlin Facebook Page

Fourteen people – including four men – were arrested on Monday after they held an overnight vigil outside the gates of Leinster House. Three of the fourteen individuals were charged, while others received adult caution. However, a number of the women who were arrested and cautioned by Gardaí are seeking legal advice, as they consider whether to submit a complaint to GSOC. Meanwhile, the Dáil this week heard Richard Boyd Barrett read from a letter he received, detailing what the Solidarity-People Before Profit TD said was the treatment one of the Mothers Against Genocide protesters was subjected to, including being ordered to strip naked and subjected to what she described as "absolutely disgusting" treatment. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennistymon native now Dublin-based barrister and part of a coalition called 'Irish Lawyers for Palestine, Leigh Brosnan. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122099851814107615&set=a.122099851550107615

Photos from the Ennistymon Horse Fair of a zebra foal and pony have led to calls from an animal rescue charity is calling for action to be taken immediately. The viral images included one of a man drinking in a pub in Co Clare holding onto a zebra foal and pony, while another showed him walking through the town with the zebra on a strap. A number of animal welfare and rescue organisations have expressed their displeasure over the incident. The Clare-based animal welfare sanctuary, An Cat Dubh has written to the Gardaí over the matter. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Rhona Lucas, An Cat Dubh Sanctuary.

Clare's County Dog Warden says there's no laws preventing the ownership or even requesting the control of exotic animals. It follows controversy and widespread condemnation from local animal welfare groups over the appearance of a zebra foal at a horse fair in Ennistymon over the weekend. The foal was also pictured in a local pub and posed for pictures with several attendees, prompting concern that the animal would be under significant stress amid the unfamiliar and busy surroundings. Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote says the legislation needs to be reviewed.

A North Clare community's post office has been saved after a new operator took up the mantle at the eleventh hour. Lisdoonvarna Post Office officially reopens in its original location today under new management, after a lease was signed on Saturday afternoon. It had been feared the facility would close due to initial struggles faced by An Post - in which instance postal services would've transferred 12km away to Ennistymon. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says it's a godsend for the locality.

Ennis's local representatives have described a cut to the area's roads funding for this year as "unacceptable". Both the county town and Shannon will have less money to put towards roads maintenance in 2025, while the county's other municipal districts have seen their level of funding increase. Clare County Council has revealed that its total roads maintenance budget this year is €27.44 million which is up 12% on 2024. The budget is supplemented by various Government funding streams, while a total of €3.21 million comes from the local authority's own resources. The increased funding is welcome given that newly-released figures show the county's roads maintenance works have gone over budget by €2.42 million in the last three years, with 2024's works alone going €1.48 million over budget. While the Killaloe, Kilrush and Ennistymon municipal districts have each had their funding boosted this year, Ennis and Shannon's allocation's have been cut by 12% and 7%, respectively. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle insists the Government should be giving local authorities' more resources to bring their roads up to an acceptable standard.

The Mayor of Ennis claims roads maintenance isn't being given priority by the Government. Both the county town and Shannon will have less money to put towards roads maintenance in 2025, while the county's other municipal districts have seen their level of funding increase. Clare County Council has revealed that its total roads maintenance budget this year is €27.44 million which is up 12% on 2024. The budget is supplemented by various Government funding streams, while a total of €3.21 million comes from the local authority's own resources. The increased funding is welcome given that newly-released figures show the county's roads maintenance works have gone over budget by €2.42 million in the last three years, with 2024's works alone going €1.48 million over budget. While the Killaloe, Kilrush and Ennistymon municipal districts have each had their funding boosted this year, Ennis and Shannon's allocation's have been cut by 12% and 7%, respectively. A special meeting of Ennis Municipal District this week has heard Senior Engineer Cyril Feeney claim that due to construction inflation, the €3 million of the council's own money put towards roads maintenance should in fact be closer to €6 million "to get the same buying power it had 10 years ago". Mayor of Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy believes the level of funding the county town has been apportioned isn't good enough and claims the "bread and butter issues" mustn't fall by the wayside.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art's Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week's live events for entertainment lovers in the Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about a Publishing Conference in Dromoland, Wordscaping in Ennistymon, Kizumba & much more!

A Clare disability activist fears it's becoming a widely accepted belief that being disabled and living in poverty go hand in hand. A new report published by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commissionand the Economic and Social Research Institute has found that households with a disabled member face "significant" financial burdens and have a "very high" risk of poverty rates. It's estimated that households with a disabled member require up to 59% more disposable income to achieve the same standard of living as a similar households with no disabled member. Speaking on Clare FM's Morning Focus, Ennistymon native Ann Marie Flanagan says there's a risk that society could become complacent and refuse to imagine the situation changing.

The HSE has rejected claims of impending cuts to ambulance services in Clare. It follows reports that upcoming roster changes would leave Ennistymon without ambulance cover on Wednesdays, Scariff without cover on Thursdays and Kilrush without an ambulance service on Fridays. In a statement to Clare FM, however the HSE says these are unfunded shifts but will still be covered by the National Ambulance Service, either through overtime or relief personnel. Clare Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan insists however that many staff are still concerned.

It's hoped a vital wing of an East Clare nursing home will come back into full service in the coming months. The Department of Health has confirmed that four short-stay beds at Raheen Community Hospital will reopen by the end of June, subject to a successful recruitment process. However, frustration has been expressed over six long-stay beds at Ennistymon Community Hospital remaining idle, with the HSE understood to be in the midst of a recruitment campaign to staff them. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says the process must be expedited.

Ennistymon residents are being told to expect a more "secure and reliable" water supply once upcoming works are completed. Uisce Éireann has confirmed it will be upgrading 550 metres of watermains along the L-1050 at Sroohil in the North Clare town. Works get underway today and are due to conclude on April 4th, with a road closure in effect for the duration and a traffic management system in place. Uisce Éireann Programme Manager Jack Cronin it's a huge win for locals.

A water infrastructure revamp commencing in North Clare today is being welcomed locally as a step in the right direction. Uisce Éireann is working to upgrade 550 metres of watermains at Sroohil in Ennistymon in the latest in a series of improvement works on the line. The L-1050 will be closed until April 4th in order to facilitate the works and the water utility claims customers will enjoy a more "secure and reliable" water supply once the upgrade is complete. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons there are many parts of North Clare where similar upgrades are sorely needed.

The leader of Sinn Féin says the State must construct purpose-built accommodation centres in Clare to allow tourism dependent communities here to function. Mary Lou McDonald has been in Clare this morning and has visited St Patrick's Comprehensive School in Shannon as well as Obair Community Crèche in Newmarket-on-Fergus. The Ennistymon local electoral area continues to have the highest proportion of Ukrainian refugees in the country with nearly 11% of its population now from the Eastern European nation. Deputy McDonald has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons she believes North Clare communities are victims of "government mismanagement".

It's estimated the Ennistymon Community Digital Hub is responsible for contributing almost €6 million to the economy each year. A new economic impact study of the North Clare facility unveiled this week has revealed the extent of the benefits the North Clare facility has brought to the region since October 2019. According to the findings, the hub has create 76 full-time employments while its annual value of output is believed to be €5.7 million. Head of Information Systems with Clare County Council, Urban McMahon says the amenity is also having a positive knock-on effect on local businesses.

The North Clare Historical Society will host a talk on Monday, February 24th, at the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon. Martina McCarthy, a pioneering expert in archaeological geophysics, will present “The Story of Ireland's Past in 50 Shades of Grey”, exploring the early years of using geophysical surveys to uncover hidden history. The Liscannor native, has worked on major sites like the Hill of Tara, Newgrange, and the Battle of the Boyne. To find out more about her groundbreaking work, Alan Morrissey was joined by her on Morning Focus. Image (c) Michael McInerney

Neil Ó Lochlainn's ‘Immram' will be making its way to Clare next month. The award-winning musician and composer from Clare will be accompanied by some of Ireland's most talented musicians in performing Immram, a suite of poems by Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill. They can be seen in both Ennis and Ennistymon in early March. Photo (c): Clare FM

There has been an increase in the distance between homes and places of employment, resulting in longer commutes for people, due to the attraction of living in small rural villages. This finding comes from a new research study involving the participation of 1,000 people from seven small towns across Ireland – including Ennistymon and Lahinch in Co. Clare – as well as two towns in Maryland in the United States. The study was carried out using a combination of an online survey of residents and a series of interviews with commuters, community leaders and other local stakeholders. To find out more Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr. Brendan O'Keeffe, who led on the Ennistymon-Lahinch case study, Ben Bennet from Surf School & Surf Shop in Lahinch, and Sean Lenihan, Director of Service for Economic Development at Clare County Council. Photo (C): Hans from pixabay via Canva

It's hoped €7.5m worth of upgrade works carried out by Uisce Eireann will end the threat of future pollution in a North Clare community. It comes as the Ballymacraven Water Treatment Plant, which serves a population of 6,000 in Ennistymon and its surrounding areas has been removed from the utility's remedial action list. In May of 2023, an uncontrolled sludge discharge at the plant caused the death of up to 2,000 fish in the downstream Ballymacraven River. Kevin Noonan from the Restore Ballymacraven River Association says it's a significant step forward.

Can you imagine having to be resuscitated and how traumatic an experience it must be? Now imagine what it is like to be resuscitated 32 times...as a baby? One man who knows what that is like is Michael Teehan, because he lived through it. Michael, a native of Clare who now lives in Dublin, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect shortly after birth. Heart Children, the national charity supporting children and young people with congenital heart disease (CHD), will host its annual conference, The Beat Goes On, on Saturday February 22 in Dublin, as part of Global Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Month. The Beat Goes On conference is aimed at Ireland's 19,000 young people and adults living with CHD, as well as parents. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Secretary of Heart Children, Michael Teehan. Photo (C): stu teehan

The Garda Commissioner will be invited to a meeting of Clare's elected representatives following a reported surge in crime throughout the county. In one week of January alone, Gardaí appealed for witnesses in relation to burglaries in Ennistymon, Ennis, Sixmilebridge and Scariff, a further vehicle theft in the county town, and an incident where a woman was found with several serious injuries in Corofin. According to the Department of Justice, 288 Gardaí are currently stationed in Clare, the lowest amount on record in eleven years. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan the county is severely under resourced.

This year's All Ireland Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous Convention will once again be held in County Clare. The seventh edition of the annual event will see it return to the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, from Friday, 28th February to Sunday, 2nd March. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Niamh, Mark, and Ella. Photo (C): RyanKing999 Via Canva

A decision to determine if a second emergency department is needed in the MidWest will be made in May. HIQA has confirmed that its review of urgent and emergency care in the region will be complete in the next 90 days, with an interim report set to be published later this month. The Department of Health made the announcement following a parliamentary question from Labour TD Alan Kelly, which highlighted the ongoing overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Limerick. Ennistymon based MidWest Hospital Campaign Spokesperson Marie McMahon says the recommendations must be implemented without delay.

An urgent appeal has been issued to people in Clare for blood donations, as supplies remain very low in the wake of Storm Éowyn. The recent severe weather events and high levels of respiratory illness within communities has significantly impacted blood collections and the IBTS is running critically low in blood stocks. It says it urgently needs new donors, younger donors, donors of all ethnicities and in particular, those of African heritage. Clinics are taking place in Ennis and Ennistymon today and tomorrow and Broadford based Donor Recruitment Executive, Alex O'Connor says five days worth of blood is required to reach comfortable levels of supply.

Alcohol addiction has been covered on the show before, but it is important to remember that people of any age could find themselves having issues with drinking…A convention is being held in Ennistymon, Co. Clare in the coming weeks which will focus on young people in Alcoholics Anonymous.Andrea is joined by organiser Niamh as well as some young people who have had problems with alcohol to discuss.The Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous - International Convention is being held in the Falls Hotel Ennistymon, Co. Clare on Friday February 28th to March 2nd.If you think you may have an issue with alcohol you can contact Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland on 01 842 0700.Or, you can find your local branch on: www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie.

Clare's newly elected senator claims it would be a 'retrograde step' for the county if Clare had no representation in the upper house of the Oireachtas. First elected to the Seanad in 2011, Martin Conway was reinstated for the fourth time as a member of the administrative panel surpassing the quota on the tenth count yesterday afternoon. The Fine Gael man at the moment stands to be the county's only senator for this term after fellow Ennistymon native Ann Marie Flanagan, Clarecastle's Leonora Carey and Shannon Councillor Tony Mulcahy were unsuccessful in their election campaigns. Conway says the Seanad plays a vital role in the country's political system and says he now offers an extra voice to highlight the major issues and concerns within Clare.

ESB Clare Area Technical Manager says they are aiming to restore nearly half of those who are still without power in Clare tonight. Since storm Eowyn, 1000 homes and businesses are still without power across the county and follow on power faults have also cropped up leaving more without electricity. These new faults have been reported in regions such as Drumquin, Ennistymon and Miltownmalbay and will potentially effect the surrounding areas. ESB are continuing to work through these power faults and expects the county to have fully restored power by the middle of next week. Michael Sammin ESB Clare Area Technical Manager, advises everyone to stay vigilant for any exposed and damaged power lines

There have been conversations held around the country about Storm Éowyn and how the government has handled their response to the storm. Storm restoration work continues again at first light today. Around 164 homes, farms, and businesses connected to the grid at Ennis North. Ennistymon are among 25,000 properties which are now eleven days without power. To find out information on efforts to restore power in Clare, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare Area Technical Manager, Michael Sammin. To get the views of some of Clare's other TDs, Alan Morrissey was joined by Meelick Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe, and Bodyke Fine Gael TD, Joe Cooney. Photo © Oireachtas.ie

Bunratty isn't the only place in Clare celebrating Imbolg and Brigid's Day. Ennistymon will be hosting a community festival to celebrate both this weekend. Irish tradition, folklore, and creativity will be brought to life through workshops, talks, music, and a magical parade this Friday and Saturday. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by festival coordinator, Aoibheann Boyle and visionary of the festival, Zillah Francis.

A North Clare Councillor is demanding action is taken on Blake's Corner before St.Patrick's Day. Huge crowds are expected to descend on the region for the March bank holiday weekend, which will inevitably see more traffic and pedestrians traversing the infamous Ennistymon bend. The protected status of the Linnane's and Blakes buildings is preventing the gap on the tight turn from being filled and its pavement from being resurfaced. A judicial review has delayed the construction of a relief road to bypass the junction, however the final ruling on the case is expected next month. Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery says the buildings aren't just a safety hazard but an eyesore.

The Clare Leader Forum claims the programme for Government is not going near far enough to reform issues facing the disabled community. It's calling for an urgent review of wheelchair accessible taxi stock, fully accessible local link services at all times and the removal of the 24 hour notice requirement for travelling on rail. The lobby group also wants means tests to be scrapped for cost of disability payments and medical cards. Co-Founder and Ennistymon-based Independent Seanad Candidate Anne-Marie Flannagan says major change is needed.

Local Gardaí are being praised by the owner of an animal sanctuary, after coming to her rescue. Last week's icy and snowy conditions created problems for Dr. Rhona Lucas, owner of An Cat Dubh animal sanctuary at Cloonlaheen. Rhona found herself snowbound, and in urgent need of supplies for her animals. This is where Gardaí at Ennistymon stepped in to save the day! To learn more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr. Rhona Lucas. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1051111963715634&set=pb.100064505207767.-2207520000&type=3&locale=nl_BE