Podcasts about Kilrush

The RNLI is urging Clare people heading to waterways for this week's hot spell to observe extreme caution to prevent the risk of drownings. Crowds have been flocking to this county's coastal areas since the early hours of this morning, as temperatures are expected to exceed 28 degrees. 80 people lost their lives in drowning incidents nationwide last year and authorities are today urging members of the public to swim within their depth at lifeguarded locations to reduce incidents. Those heading to bathing spots for the fine weather are also being urged not to consume alcohol prior to entering the water, always have a means of communication available, to never leave children unsupervised and to seek local knowledge about the area when going for a swim in a new location. Kilrush RNLI Helmsman and PRO Charlie Glynn says that if you see a friend in difficulty in the water, throw them a floatation device and talk to them to keep them calm, but to avoid going in after them, as it can lead to further casualties. Among the locations, thronged with crowds today is Cappagh Pier in Kilrush. During the Pandemic, Imelda Bourke and Hilary O'Donovan co-founded the 'Mermaids & Buoys' group and have been going for daily social swims since. Imelda says there's nothing better in the fine weather. Temperatures are expected to exceed 28 degrees in parts of the county today, while a yellow weather warning for high temperatures remains in effect until Friday morning. These women at Cappagh Pier have been telling there favourite thing to do when the sun comes out.

Alan Morrissey was joined earlier by Chris Dixon O'Mara, author of a new book celebrating the remarkable success of Kilrush Shamrocks GAA Club during the 1970s.  The book revisits the club's golden era when Kilrush Shamrocks achieved an unprecedented five senior football championship titles in a row—a feat that has never been matched before or since.   Chris joined Alan in-studio to discuss the inspiration behind the publication and the upcoming launch. Photo (c) Clare FM

It's claimed as little as six regular Gardaí were policing the entire county of Clare on one day during the last weekend in May. It comes as elected representatives have once again raised concerns over stretched garda resources locally. The latest meeting of Clare County Council heard that on the day in question, just one Garda Car was policing the Western seaboard from Kilrush to Kinvara. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty expressed his concern.

The Summer Festival at Vandeleur Walled Garden is set to return to Kilrush from June 26th to 28th, promising three days of music, comedy, family entertainment and community celebration in one of Clare's most beautiful settings. This year's line-up features internationally acclaimed singer Brian Kennedy, the legendary Kilfenora Céilí Band, comedian Bernard Casey and a host of local favourites. To tell us more about what's in store, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sharon Malone, Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager with Clare Tourism Development DAC, and festival headliner Brian Kennedy. Image (c) Vandeleur Walled Garden via Facebook

Volunteers are being sought for a popular meals on wheels service expanding into North Clare. Obair has announced that its Inagh route is being extended into Ennistymon in response to demand. Established in Newmarket-on-Fergus over 20 years ago, the Obair Meals on Wheels service also has bases in Kilrush and Lisdoonvarna, and is planning to move into East Clare this summer. Service Coordinator with Obair, Eimear Murphy, says the more volunteers they have on their roster, the better the service can function.

A free workshop taking place in Kilrush this week (Thursday, 11th June, 7pm) aims to encourage greater understanding of gender identity, sexual orientation and inclusion within our communities. Hosted by GOSHH, the session will provide an accessible introduction to LGBTI+ identities, explore the importance of inclusive language and pronouns, and offer practical advice on how people can be supportive allies. The workshop is open to everyone, from young people and families to community groups and anyone interested in learning more. To tell us about the event and the work of GOSHH, Alan Morrissey was joined by Outreach Worker Bernie O'Gorman. Image (c) GOSHH

As thousands of students across Clare settle into the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exam season, Clare Youth Service is once again opening its Exam Cafés across the county to provide young people with a place to relax, recharge and take a break between exams. The cafés, which are running in Ennis, Killaloe, Kilrush, Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus, offer a safe and welcoming space where students can unwind, meet friends and access support during what can be a stressful few weeks. To tell us more about the initiative and the importance of supporting young people's wellbeing during exam time, Alan Morrissey was joined by Helena Slattery, Youth Worker with Clare Youth Service and coordinator of The Junction Café in Ennis. Photo (c) Clare Youth Service

Sports infrastructure projects across Clare have received a major boost following significant local authority investment. Clare County Council has allocated €120,000 to permanent sports facilities throughout the county under the Participation Nation Outdoor Fund. Funding secured by the Clare Local Sports Partnership will see Scarriff, Ballyvaughan, Tim Smythe Park in Ennis, and Kilrush, each receive €25,250, while €19,000 has been invested in sports grounds in Shannon. Senior Executive Officer for Killaloe Municipal District and Sport and Recreation, Eoin Troy, says the council continues to pursue funding opportunities to further enhance facilities in towns across the county.

Kilrush RNLI is warning people across Clare about the risk of cold water shock this bank holiday weekend. Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe if planning an activity on or near the water.  While air temperatures are warmer, sea and inland water temperatures remain low and pose a serious risk of cold-water shock and hypothermia. Kilrush RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Charlie Glynn, has this advice for those entering the water this weekend.

There are calls for a bus shelter to be erected on a busy West Clare street. It follows concerns raised over public transport users being exposed to the elements in Kilrush. There's currently a bus parking bay on Frances Street, while other bus routes stop on the Ennis Road and in the Market Square, where no shelter is provided. June Dillon says the infrastructure is urgently needed.

People across the county are being encouraged to have their say on the proposal to install CCTV in an attempt to curb illegal dumping. The Local Authority's waste enforcement team is carrying out a public consultation until June 1st on the use of cameras in blackspots in Tulla and Kilrush. The system would initially be in place for eight weeks before a review period would determine it's continued use. Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor, Pat Hayes, says it's been a 'torturous process' to get the relevant legislation enacted.

Over 1,400 years ago, Clare's Saint Senan is said to have permanently banished the dragons and serpents from Kilrush, on the ancient monastic settlement of Inis Cathaigh. Located on the Shannon Estuary, Scattery Island which was inhabited until 1978, survived Vikings, Normans and rebellions and saw a population boom after the famine, officially reopened for the tourist season last week. Last year, just below 4,500 people set foot on the historic island, complete with 6 churches, one of only two round towers in Ireland with ground entry, graveyards, a lighthouse, a gun battery from the Napeleonic Era and an array of thriving wildlife. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan was among the latest to visit Scattery Island for the new season and spoke to Head OPW Guide John Mulqueen.

It's hoped the impending installation of CCTV in West Clare's capital will significantly eradicate illegal dumping. Clare County Council is carrying out a public consultation process until June 1st to determine where the cameras should go in Tulla and Kilrush. So far this year, the local authority has already dealt with over 210 illegal dumping and litter complaints. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that swift and decisive action is needed.

Homeowners living along the main road from Kilrush to Kilkee on the N67 at Leadmore East are seeking urgent action before any further loss of life or serious collisions occur on their road. Some residents have been seeking footpaths from the area to Kilrush town for over 50 years, however they've been consistently told by authorities that the project is either too expensive and could cost up to €250,000 or too complicated due to land acquisition and design issues. In recent years, there have been four fatal incidents on the stretch, while collisions are a regular occurrence due to what locals say is excessive speeding, heavy traffic and dips in the road causing visual obstructions. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan visited Leadmore where several residents expressed their lived experience beginning with Dr Anne Marie Carr.

People will have a unique opportunity to view whale and dolphin activity off the coast of Clare this weekend. Whale Watch Ireland takes place between 5 and 7pm on Saturday evening as part of a nationwide effort to monitor and celebrate marine life. Now in its 24th year, the event held by the Kilrush-based Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, will see free land-based watches taking place at 19 locations across the country, including Loop Head in West Clare and Black Head in the north of the county. Chief Executive Officer of Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Dr Simon Berrow has been telling Clare FM's Morning Focus it's a good opportunity for people to play a part in marine conservation efforts. Photo (c) Irish Whale and Dolphin Group via Facebook

A West Clare School bus driver claims it's only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured or worse due to a lack of traffic calming measures on a busy Kilrush Road. Concerns have been raised over a high volume of speeding motorists on the R483 which serves Kilrush Community School, Regina House, Moneypoint Football Club, the Kilrush FET building and a number of residential areas. Local resident Mick Thorpe who also lives across from the school claims he's consistently unable to park in the designated school bus bay when on duty, and that his personal vehicle was recently damaged by a passing car. Mick says the situation needs to be urgently addressed.

There is an exciting redevelopment project in the heart of Kilrush, as Clare County Council has confirmed that a Part 8 planning application is being progressed for the redevelopment of the former Mars Cinema and Dance Hall site on Frances Street. The proposed multi-use development would see the historic site regenerated for community, cultural, educational and commercial use, while also preserving key features of the building's distinctive Art Deco character as part of the wider revitalisation of Kilrush town centre. To discuss the plans and what they could mean for the future of Kilrush, Councillor Ian Lynch joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Mars Cinema Site, Frances Street Kilrush

Bike Week 2026 gets underway this weekend with events taking place right across County Clare and around the country to celebrate cycling and encourage more people to get on their bikes. From community spins and learn-to-cycle programmes to competitive races and family-friendly events, there's something for all ages and abilities. To talk about this year's events in Clare and the growing popularity of cycling, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gary Kiely of L and L Cycles in Kilrush and the West Clare Cycling Club. Image © Autumn bike lane by Smaranda Dragan's Images

Parents of children born through surrogacy are calling on the Government to act without delay, as key parts of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 remain unimplemented. While the law was passed nearly two years ago, many families say they are still living with legal uncertainty, with children not fully recognised as having two parents under Irish law. On Tuesday's Morning Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by two West Clare mothers who know these challenges all too well. Fiona Whyte from Miltown Malbay, whose children Ruby and Donal were born through surrogacy in India, and Hilary O'Donovan from Kilrush, whose twins were born via surrogacy in Ukraine in 2016. They've both been navigating the legal gaps for years — and are now adding their voices to calls for urgent improvement of legislation surrounding surrogacy. Image © Natalie Bond from Pexels Via Canva

People across Clare are urging people to thoroughly inspect their watercraft if planning to use them for the first time this year over the bank holiday. Kilrush RNLI says this includes making sure engines are serviced and that all equipment are in full working order. Prior to going out onto the water, it's advised to inform another person of your planned route and to bring a method of communication. Kilrush RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Charlie Glynn, says it's also vital to ensure the vessel has enough lifejackets for all crew members.

An important community event is taking place in West Clare later this month, aimed at raising awareness around domestic abuse and highlighting the supports available to those who need them. Organised by the Clare Local Area Network, or CLAN, the event will bring together a range of services in a welcoming and supportive setting at the West Clare Family Resource Centre in Kilrush. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cecilia Brizuela, Coordinator of Women's Collective Ireland Clare, and June Dillon, Chair of the Safer Clare Campaign. Image © CLAN

Clare's Crime Prevention Office is urging older people suffering abuse or anyone who suspects elder abuse to report it. Elder abuse can affect people aged 65 and over, often within relationships built on trust, and can take many forms, from physical and emotional harm to financial exploitation and neglect. It can happen at home, in care settings, places we consider safe, by strangers, institutions, or loved ones. Kilrush-based Sergeant Edel Burke is urging anyone with concerns to contact safeguarding professionals who will be able to provide guidance.

On Friday's edition of Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke with a mother from that part of West Clare. Alison Clancy was on the line, to tell us about a terrifying ordeal after her six-month-old baby suffered a severe allergic reaction, only to be told the nearest ambulance was over an hour away. Her story is the latest to add to growing concerns about ambulance cover in rural areas. Photo © Pat Flynn

On Thursday's Morning Focus we heard from a Clare mother about a deeply worrying experience that has raised fresh concerns about emergency response times in the region. Molly Kelly's seven-year-old daughter, who is autistic and non-verbal, became gravely ill over the weekend—but the family then faced a two-hour wait for an ambulance to take her from Shannondoc to University Hospital Limerick. As questions grow around ambulance availability, rural healthcare access, and ongoing pressures in the system, Alan Morrissey spoke with Molly, to hear her story. Clare Fm reached out to the HSE for a statement on this issue: "The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) regrets that any service user should have a negative experience. However, the HSE cannot discuss individual case details when doing so might reveal information relating to identifiable individuals, thereby breaching our ethical duty of confidentiality. The NAS works to deliver the highest standard of care for people using NAS services. All 999/112 calls received for emergency medical assistance are prioritised using an internationally recognised system that triages calls based on clinical priority, which range from life-threatening- cardiac or respiratory arrest to minor illness or injury. This means that during particularly busy periods, lower-acuity calls may wait longer for an ambulance. Ambulance bases have additional vehicles on site. These are in reserve for breakdowns and servicing. It also means crews coming on duty have a vehicle immediately available if the earlier crew and ambulance are attending another incident. This ensures continuity of service. The NAS is undergoing a significant transformation programme to enhance service delivery, optimise resources, and expand its role in providing alternative and community-based care. Since 2022, additional investment has seen the NAS base budget increase by 41% (an additional €83 million) to €285 million in 2025. Over the same period, staffing levels have increased by 28%, with an additional 588 whole-time equivalent staff, bringing total NAS staffing to 2,655 WTE. Capital investment of €126 million has also been made in fleet replacement and expansion to support these developments. Plans for 2026 include significant investment in the NAS: an additional 263 whole-time equivalents and €20 million in new funding, including additional resources in each of Kilrush, Ennis, and Ennistymon. This investment plan will deliver 21 additional crewed ambulances nationally, operating at peak demand, as well as four more Intermediate Care Vehicles, and continued development of the Clinical Hub and alternative care pathways. " Image © Alan Place

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with former public representative; Mayor of Kilrush and retired schoolteacher Tom Prendeville. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

If you're looking for something uplifting and musical this April, the Kilrush Choral Society is bringing a true classic to the stage. The Sound of Music will be performed at Kilrush Community School from April 7th to the 11th. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by the director, Ger Rushe and member of the society, Geraldine Keating.

Concern has been expressed in Clare around the lack of delivery of beds at community hospitals last year. HSE Mid West has confirmed no new long stay or short stay beds were delivered at its facilities in its older person's residential services in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary in 2025. It's also stated that negotiations are ongoing regarding its acquisition of St Senan's Nursing Home in Kilrush where it intends to install three additional long stay beds by the end of this year. Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan, who sits on the HSE's Regional

The Superintendent of Clare's Garda Division is being requested to convene an urgent multi-agency meeting following a string of violent incidents in Kilrush. On March 3rd, Gardaí were alerted to an incident of criminal damage by fire at a domestic residence, which involved a shot being fired at the home. It's understood the episode escalated from a brawl which took place in the town earlier that day, with a video of the incident circulating widely on social media. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it's behaviour which needs to be stamped out urgently.

CCTV systems aimed at identifying the perpetrators of illegal dumping are set to be rolled out at two locations in Clare. The surveillance cameras will be installed at sites in Kilrush and in the east of the county in May as part of a pilot project. The local authority is set to open the process to public consultation in the coming weeks, with a view to rolling out more systems at blackspots countywide. Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon is hopeful it will make a meaningful difference. You can hear more on this story on Clare FM's Morning Focus this Monday from 9am.

CCTV systems aimed at identifying the perpetrators of illegal dumping are set to be rolled out at two locations in Clare. The surveillance cameras will be installed at sites in Kilrush and in the east of the county in May as part of a pilot project. The local authority is set to open the process to public consultation in the coming weeks, with a view to rolling out more systems at blackspots countywide. Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon gave his thoughts to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan And Alan Morrissey was joined by Josefa Mc Elligott, Chairperson of Cratloe Community Council, a group that's been dealing firsthand with the ongoing problem of illegal dumping in the area. Image © Clare FM

All regions of Clare with the exception of Ennis will have additional funds for roads maintenance in the coming year. Clare County Council has unveiled a €48 million funding package for municipal district works in 2026. €9 million has been set aside for the Kilrush region, indicating a 6% increase on last year. The Ennistymon area has been allocated €6.5 million, up 20% on 2025, while Killaloe's is seeing a 3% boost to just shy of €7.4 million. Shannon's share of funding has shot up by 14% to €3.3 million while Ennis is the only municipal district seeing its funding drop this year, with just €2.98 million given to the county town, showing a decrease of 12%. The funding package was unveiled to Ennis's local elected representatives at a special meeting at Áras Contae an Chláir this week. Clare FM's Seán Lyons went along and spoke to a number of elected reps, including Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan, about their thoughts. Image © Geograph.ie

Another spree of illegal dumping in Clare has prompted calls for stronger enforcement. It follows the discovery of multiple mattresses and lounge furniture on farmland just off the Ballyalla Road in Ennis over the weekend, along with bags of rubbish on the N68 in Kilrush. In the first two months of this year, Clare County Council has already received 104 illegal dumping complaints. Kilmurry McMahon based Aontú Representative June Dillon says it's hugely distressing and needs to be clamped down on.

A Clare TD expects a fresh expansion of the county's ambulance services to represent a "massive improvement". The National Ambulance Service has told a meeting of the Midwest's TDs and senators that five new ambulances will be added to the this county's fleet by the end of the year. It's also confirmed that Kilrush and Ennistymon will each have six whole-time equivalent positions added, with eight more yet to be assigned to a location, while six WTE intermediate car posts are to be created in Ennis. Bodyke Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney says it'll improve wait times which he acknowledges aren't good enough in certain parts of the county.

A Clare healthcare campaigner claims giving more ambulances to this county will only lead to more congestion and overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. The National Ambulance Service has confirmed the addition of five extra ambulances and 27 staff to its services here. Data from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation meanwhile shows 121 admitted patients were waiting for beds at the Dooradoyle facility this morning which was more than double the next busiest facility; St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin. Kilrush-based Friends of Ennis Hospital PRO Deirdre Culligan says the newly-allocated resources are welcome but don't get to the heart of the issue.

It's claimed the rollout of fibre broadband connections to parts of rural Clare will be "game-changing". €89 million has now been invested in Clare to ensure rural areas can avail of a high-speed connection. The Lisdoonvarna, Milltown Malbay and Rahey Cross areas are due to be connected to the NBI network later this year, with almost 2,500 Kilrush residents connected this week. NBI CEO TJ Malone says it will help rejuvenate the local communities.

A little-known chapter of County Clare's history is being brought to light in a new book and lecture this week. Rita McCarthy, a Clare-based social historian, has spent years researching the County Clare Nursery—a mother and baby home that operated from 1922 to 1932 in Kilrush. Her book, Forgotten Lives, uncovers the experiences of unmarried mothers and their children in the early years of the Irish Free State. Rita spoke to Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus to discuss her research and the stories of those whose lives were largely hidden from history.

A warning has been issued to those travelling to Clare's waterways this weekend that the recent inclement weather could create potentially lethal conditions. The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI have issued a joint water safety appeal urging people to stay safe in, on or near the water in the coming days. Recent data revealed 65% of accidental drownings were preceded by land-based activities like walking, angling and hiking. Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Charlie Glynn says assessing weather conditions before approaching the water is crucial.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), in collaboration with Fair Seas, returns home to Kilrush, Co Clare on Saturday, March 14th, as part of a series of free, in-person evening events in coastal towns around Ireland. The Local Groups Roadshow aims to connect coastal communities and local members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group with the latest developments in marine conservation, marine protected areas (MPAs), and the future of Ireland's seas. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Eva Lambert, Marine Policy and Advocacy Officer with the IWDG on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) iwdg.ie

It's being argued that while a Clare town has seen a "significant jump" in its rate of commercial vacancy, its number of newly empty units is "relatively small". A new report has found Shannon to have the highest rate of unoccupied commercial premises in Ireland with more than a third not in use as of the end of December. The findings state that the town's rate has risen by almost 4% in a year with roughly 82 of its units currently inactive. GeoDirectory CEO Dara Keogh, who wrote the report, has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the picture is much more positive for Ennis and Kilrush than it is for Shannon.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has confirmed that the Kilrush-based research vessel Celtic Mist will be retired at the end of the 2026 season. For more than a decade, the 17-metre yacht has played a vital role in surveying Ireland's inshore and offshore waters, contributing over 100,000 kilometres of marine research in support of whale and dolphin conservation. Alan Morrissey spoke with Mags Daly the Shannon Dolphin Project Officer to discuss what changes this might mean for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group research. Image © Eoghan Quinn Via IWDG.ie

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with Kilrush-based artist and designer Ailish Malone. Clare Women in Business is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.

Irish business confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic, according to a new Grant Thornton survey, with mid-market firms citing global volatility, rising labour and energy costs, and political uncertainty as major challenges for the year ahead. Here in Clare, businesses are feeling the impact, but they're also taking steps to remain competitive and invest in technology and productivity. To discuss how local businesses are navigating these challenges, Alan Morrissey was joined by Margaret O'Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber, and Patrick Burke, representing businesses in Kilrush and Ennis. Photo (c) Pop Andreea's Images via Canva

A heart-warming new community initiative is bringing style, dignity, and independence directly to nursing home residents across the region. “Rocking the Rails” is a travelling retail experience designed to ensure elderly individuals can continue choosing their own clothing and personal items — empowering them to maintain independence, identity, and confidence. The initiative is led by Maggie Cronin, proud owner of The Family Store in Kilrush. A family-run department store established over 30 years ago. Alan Morrissey spoke to Maggie about "Rocking the Rails" and her family store on Clare FM's Morning Focus. Image (c) The Family Store Limited via Facebook

According to new figures from An Garda Síochána, Garda numbers in Clare are at their highest level in two years. 2025 saw a net increase of 10 gardaí in the county, bringing the total to 298 members stationed across Clare last December — an increase of 3.5% rise on the previous year. But while overall numbers are up, the picture varies locally. Ennis has seen a slight drop, with numbers falling from 114 to 110. In contrast, Shannon recorded a significant boost, rising from 58 to 71 members, and Crusheen also saw an increase. Meanwhile, Kilrush experienced a small decline. Nationally, 56 new officers joined the Roads Policing Unit last year — but just one of those has been assigned to Clare. The Chair of Clare's Local Community Safety Partnership Pj Ryan joined Sally-Ann Barrett in studio to discuss these new figures. Image (c) Clare Fm

It's claimed the people of west and north Clare are suffering due to a lack of access to emergency ambulance care The local authority has called on the National Ambulance Service to provide additional rapid response vehicles to remote parts of the county. In a correspondence issued to Clare TD Joe Cooney this week, the HSE has confirmed that additional 12 hour ambulance shifts will be rolled out in Ennistymon and Kilrush, while new Emergency Medical Technicians are set to be recruited in Ennis. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says greater accessibility is key.

Teresa Carrig joined us on Morning Focus last November. She was in studio to talk about her Christmas single, Here With Me. Teresa was back in-studio to highlight her new album! The Kilrush singer-songwriter is launcing her second album, called Dancing Solo, in the Galleon.

Access to local GP services remains a big concern in rural Clare, with recent challenges in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Kilrush highlighting the issue. Alan Morrissey was joined by Newmarket on Fergus Fianna Fail Councillor David Griffin and Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch. They'll discuss the impact on their communities, the HSE's response, and what more needs to be done to ensure people in rural areas can continue to access vital GP care. Image (C) anyaberkut from Getty Images Pro via Canva

Driving test waiting times have remained stagnant in Clare over the past four months. Budding motorists in this county can currently get a test within 11 weeks in Kilrush, 10 weeks in Ennis and 9 weeks in Shannon. It means two of Clare's three centres are now meeting the Road Safety Authority's service level agreement time of ten weeks. Chris Curran from the The Chris Curran Coaching Driving School in Ennis has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan it's crucial this progress is maintained.

It's claimed North and West Clare are being denied their fare share of funding for rural projects. Since 2020, the West Clare Municipal District, which encompasses both the Kilrush and Ennistymon Electoral Areas has received just below €12m in grants from the Department of Community and Rural Development. Concern has emerged however, that many key community initiatives are being overlooked such as public realm enhancements proposed for Corofin and Lisdoonvarna and works previously approved in Doolin. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says more progress is needed.

A planning application is expected to be submitted for the first section of the West Clare Railway Greenway this year. According to the Department of Transport, Clare County Council will seek permission to construct the Kilrush to Kilkee section of the route after June. The overall 115km route will also connect Ennis, Miltown Malbay, Lahinch and Ennistymon. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that following many false dawns, progress is needed as soon as possible.