Podcasts about Kilrush

The lack of progress on major projects aimed at reviving West Clare's capital has been criticised by a local councillor. The local authority has been requested to provide details on the development of the Kilrush Maritime Training Centre, public realm enhancements for Frances Street and the town square, and the refurbishment of the Old Mars Cinema. A state commissioned taskforce has set a target of developing a maritime centre of excellence in Kilrush this year, while public consultation on future plans for the Mars Cinema concluded last June. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it time for action.

Gareth O'Hanlon Ennis Kilrush Women's RFC after AIL Promotion Playoff Win

Clare is set to be allocated more community paramedics to deal with low acuity ambulance calls. It follows a recent incident in Doonbeg in which a woman waited over three hours for an ambulance following a road traffic collision. Construction is expected to begin on a new ambulance base in Kilrush this year, but the Dáil has now heard calls for another ambulance base to be built here, to bring the county's total to six. Responding to Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, Junior Health Minister Mary Butler says there are plans to improve services.

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.

It's hoped construction will begin on a new ambulance base in Kilrush by the end of this year. The National Ambulance Service has confirmed to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, that a capital submission will be made to the HSE for the construction of a new ambulance base in the west of the county. The current base, located at Kilrush Nursing Home, has been deemed unfit for use as there is capacity for just one ambulance on site. Bodyke Deputy Cooney, says although these processes can often be drawn out, he's optimistic work will begin before the start of next year.

Rising costs and changes to both working and consumer spending habits have been identified as the main factors behind Clare's unoccupied business premises. It comes as the latest Geodirectory report into vacant commercial buildings has found Shannon and Kilrush to have the highest rates of vacancies in the province. Ennis was also deemed to be the town in Munster with the ninth highest rate of commercial vacancies, while Clare as a whole has 15.8% of its business premises out of use. Geodirectory CEO, Dara Keogh has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that greater imagination is needed to repurpose buildings and bring properties back into use.

On the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #702 . Subscribe now! Nathan Gourley, The Friel Sisters, The Langer's Ball, Austral, Hounds of Finn, Juha Rossi, Charlie O'Brien, Kilrush, Blackwillow Starling, Wicked Tinkers, Celtic Conundrum, Carbon Leaf, CaliCeltic, Jiggy, Katie Jane Band GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items for Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2025 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create this year's Best Celtic music of 2025 episode. You have just three weeks to vote this year. Vote Now! You can follow our playlist on YouTube to listen to those top voted tracks as they are added every 2 - 3 weeks. THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:06 - Nathan Gourley, Joey Abarta, and Owen Marshall "Gleanntán Frolics / The Ceanngulla / The Hare in the Corn" from Copley Street 2 3:46 - WELCOME 5:52 - The Friel Sisters "Born for Sport/The Fairy Jig/Kissing & Drinking (Jigs)" from Northern Sky 9:40 - The Langer's Ball "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" from Drinking Song Sing - A - Long 12:15 - Austral "Bok Choy" from Thylacine 16:46 - Hounds of Finn "Wild Mountain Thyme" from Gravity Pulls 20:25 - FEEDBACK 24:44 - Juha Rossi "Carolan's Draught" from O'Carolan Tunes on Mandolin 27:38 - Charlie O'Brien "Hibernia" from The Trackless Wild, Irish Song of the Pampa 32:37 - Kilrush "Toss the Jam" from Kilrush 36:50 - Blackwillow Starling "All Around My Hat" from Blackwillow Starling 40:57 - THANKS 43:02 - Wicked Tinkers "The Dean Set" from Rant 46:25 - Celtic Conundrum "Ballad of Ellen Berkery” from Lore 50:46 - Carbon Leaf "7 Brides For 7 Sinners" from 5 Alive! 53:33 - CaliCeltic "Aoife and Her Reefer" from Paddy Paradise 57:39 - Jiggy "Púca (Shadow Step Mix)" from Single 1:04:40 - CLOSING 1:05:38 - Katie Jane Band "Twa Corbies" from Wild One 1:09:18 - CREDITS The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Finally, remember—our planet's future is in our hands. The overwhelming evidence shows that human activity is driving climate change, from record  -  breaking heat waves to rising sea levels. But the good news? We have the power to fix it. Every choice we make—reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting clean energy—moves us toward a more stable climate. If you're skeptical, ask yourself: What if you're wrong? What if taking action means cleaner air, a stronger economy, and a safer world—no matter what? Isn't that worth considering? Start a conversation today. The facts are out there, and the future is ours to shape. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and also host Folk Songs & Stories. This podcast is for fans of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to release new music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast and you will get a free music - only episode. You'll also learn how to get your band played on the podcast. Bands don't need to send in music, and You will get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music. It's 100% free. Again email follow@bestcelticmusic THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! You Make the Music Happen! I'm in awe of your generosity. You're the heartbeat of this podcast—the reason I bring you fresh Celtic tunes every week. Your kindness fuels everything. It covers our brilliant engineer, our talented designer, and the Celtic Music Magazineeditor. It spreads this music far and wide. It even lets me buy the music you love and gives me the time to craft each episode just for you. And as a patron, you're more than a supporter—you're part of the music! You get exclusive, ad - free episodes, music - only episodes, free downloads, and the power to shape the Celtic Top 20. All this for as little as $4 a month—less than a cup of coffee, yet enough to keep the music alive and thriving. Join us today. Let's make this music last forever. A special thanks to our new and continued Patrons of the Podcast: Christopher Fennell, Paul Gorily, AlexanderJohn Murray, Peggy Dirks HERE IS YOUR THREE STEP PLAN TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST Go to our Patreon page. Decide how much you want to pledge every month. Keep listening to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast to celebrate Celtic culture through music. You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast on Patreon at SongHenge.com. TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. In 2026, we're traveling to the Celtic nation of Galicia in Spain. We'll dive deep into the history and legends of the Galician Celts, uncovering their connections to Ireland, Scotland, and beyond. We'll walk the same lands where Celtic warriors once roamed, hear the myths passed down through generations, and experience the magic of authentic Galician Celtic music, alive with passion and history. This isn't just a trip—it's a journey into the heart of a Celtic culture unlike any other. Will you join us? Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/ #celticmusic #irishmusic #celticmusicpodcast I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Is there a new Celtic CD or Celtic band that you heard of or saw? I'd love to see a  picture of what you're doing while listening. Email me at follow@bestcelticmusic. Xavier emailed: “Hi ! Thank you for your podcast. I discovered Celtic music in the 1990s in France with a french band that has since disappeared, Tonynara. I could be wrong but I don't think I've ever heard it on your podcast. This group remains a reference for me and I can only advise you to play one or two songs at the next opportunity. Thanks !” Caleb Cotter sent a photo: "Hi Marc, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for featuring the Irish Lassies' music this year. You've introduced me to so many incredible artists, and I truly appreciate that! I've also been really enjoying your Dancing with Hobbits album—it's fantastic! You definitely nailed it with that project, and you should be incredibly proud of it. You've always encouraged us to send over recommendations, so I wanted to share one with you: My friend's band, The Mad Ferret from Edinburgh, UK. They're amazing, and I think you'd really enjoy their music. Here's one of my favorite tracks that I think you'll love. Also, the Lassies would like to send you something in the mail as a thank you. Could you please share an address where we can send it? Wishing you a wonderful New Year and thank you again for everything you do for the Celtic music community!” Patrick Rieger emailed photos: "Hi Marc, Some more celtic musicians from the family's renaissance festival season, this time the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. Pittsburgh is a small faire, but the musicians are still great. We could only spend one day there, so we didn't see them all. We did get to see The Reelin' Rogues, The Craic Show, Sarah the Harpist (Sarah Marie Mullen), and just as we were leaving at the end of the day, Magnus and Maggie. Despite the musicians and us seeing each other one or two times a year, we still get to be friends. Big smiles. Daniel from the Craic Show wanting to clink glasses at the Pirates Pub. Sarah and my wife Gayle got into a conversation about environmental issues.”  

Clare County Fire Service is appealing to landowners to be on the lookout for illegal activity or any behaviour that could lead to the spread of fire on land. It comes as local authority crews from Kilrush and Kilkee have been dealing with a number of blazes in the Moanmore/Shragh areas of West Clare in recent days. A Status Orange High Forrest Fire Risk Warning remains in place across the country until noon on Friday, which means there's a high risk of fires spreading in areas where there's hazardous fuels such as dead grasses, or shrubs like heather and gorse. Clare's Chief County Fire Officer, Adrian Kelly has been telling Clare FM's Fiona Cahill that household rubbish scattered in the Moanmore/Shragh areas, which appears to have been dumped there, may have contributed to the spread of fire.

Teresa is a local musician based in Kilrush. It's a busy time for Teresa, who is fresh from launching her new single, “Cry Me A River” To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Kilrush singer-songwriter, Teresa Carrig.

Construction will commence next month on a brand new age friendly housing estate in West Clare. The project which will see twelve new homes delivered at Back Road, Kilrush is expected to be complete by 2026. Custy Construction will deliver the scheme after putting pen to paper with Clare County Council this week. Chair of Clare's Strategic Housing Committee Councillor John Crowe says it will be a gamechanger for the region.

Happy St Patrick's Day! We got carried with our 3 hour special. Instead you get 50 Celtic songs and tunes for you to enjoy for St Patrick's Day on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #701. Subscribe now! GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items for Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2025 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create this year's Best Celtic music of 2025 episode. You have just three weeks to vote this year. Vote Now! You can follow our playlist on YouTube to listen to those top voted tracks as they are added every 2 - 3 weeks. THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:15 - The Friel Sisters "My Love is in America/The Yellow Tinker/Old Cuffe Street (Reels)" from Northern Sky 3:35 - WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and host of Folk Songs & Stories. This podcast is for fans of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to release new music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast and you will get a free music - only episode. If you are a Celtic musician and want your music featured on the show, please submit your band to be played on the podcast. You don't have to send in music or an EPK, and You will get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music. It's 100% free. Just email follow@bestcelticmusic 5:32 - Nathan Gourley, Joey Abarta, and Owen Marshall "A Tailor I Am / The Shoemaker's Fancy / Donncha Ó Loinsigh's" from Copley Street 2 9:36 - Fialla "Dúlamán" from A Rare Thing 13:41 - W. Ed Harris "Arran Boat Song" from Family, Friends, Choices, & Memories 17:50 - Goitse "Green Fields of Canada" from Rosc 22:39 - Clay Babies "Dick Gossips / Dinky's Reel / Miss McLoud's" from Speechless Vol. 1: Sloppy Session in the Sticks 27:11 - The Irish Rovers "Drunken Sailor" from Drunken Sailor 30:04 - WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR ST PATRICK'S DAY THIS YEAR? Ellen MacIsaac: Probably gigging. Lots of work for musicians at that time. Patrick Rieger: That's a Monday. I'll listen to some music at home. My favorite pub will be a madhouse so I will be avoiding the place. Jordan Reeder: Guinness and the Irish and Celtic music podcast for sure!

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.

Clare FM's Derrick Lynch Speaking With Ennis Kilrush Womens Rugby Coach Gareth O'Hanlon

The operational future of a West Clare nursing home will be considered by the HSE this month. The day care centre of Regina House in Kilrush which can accommodate up to 30 patients was closed in 2020 as part of Covid-19 restrictions. A decision was taken in 2022 to re-open the service, but this was prevented by staffing deficits, but HSE MidWest says it has now completed an options appraisal to determine its future use. Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says it needs to be returned to full service.

Today is Rare Disease Day. It is held on the last day of February to raise awareness for rare diseases, generate change, and improve access to treatment and medical representation for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, their families and carers. Communities in Clare are also aiming to raise awareness on Rare Disease Day. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Kilrush resident with Parry Romberg Syndrome, Cindy O'Brien, Board member & head of advocacy, Anne Micks and Kilrush resident who wrote a poem on Rare Disease Day, Loretta O'Dea O'Callaghan. Photo (C): Clare FM

A new five-year tourism development plan for West Clare and North Kerry will aim to make Loop Head an internationally iconic attraction. Fáilte Ireland's strategy has also set goals of creating visitor adventure hubs in Kilrush, Kilkee, Cappagh and Carrigaholt and creating a world-class Wild Atlantic Way coastal walk. The Cliff Coast Destination and Experience Development Plan's main objective is to extend the tourism season and spread the economic benefits to all towns and villages. Fáilte Ireland Regional Tourism Director Paul Keeley says they want to provide a complete offering.

Clare farmer Kieran Woods, Rita McCarthy from Kilrush and Ballyjamesduff native Stephen Cunningham on how they are coping following Storm Éowyn and Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon-Galway and party spokesperson for Children, calls for the Dáil to be recalled early this week.

To discuss the aftermath of Friday's storm Éowyn, Independent Councillor Ian Lynch joined Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (C): https://www.facebook.com/ayrshiredailynews

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is warning that vital medical procedures could be cancelled imminently if Clare people don't offer their assistance. The national blood supply has been heavily impacted by Storm Éowyn as well as high levels of respiratory illness, with blood stocks as low as three days for many groups. Kilrush Community School will play host to a blood donation clinic this Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm and donors can register by calling 1800 222 111 or by logging onto giveblood.ie. Broadford-based IBTS Donor Recruitment Executive Alex O'Connor has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons a never-before-seen amber alert could be issued to Irish hospitals if the situation isn't reversed.

New weather sensors will be installed on roads in North and West Clare in a bid to better prepare the council's response to extreme condition events. It follows discontent in the region over the omission of the main Lahinch to Doolin, Lisdoonvarna to Cliffs of Moher roads and the R486 and the R487 roads into Kilrush from the Winter Maintenance Plan. The council has since confirmed that it will have new sensors to monitor conditions on the regional road from Loop Head and on the access road to the Cliffs of Moher. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it's a positive step.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council engineering crews are continuing the clean up operation across the Banner county. 150 personnel responded to incidents yesterday while Clare County Fire Service remain on standby today. The road alongside the collapsed sea wall in Cappagh, Kilrush. has remained closed as a precaution, with works to begin the reconstruction of the wall set to begin on Monday. Efforts are also continuing to clear extensive debris from the pier in Liscannor. Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Cyril Feeney, claims clearing fallen trees from the county's roads network remains the priority. He says there is light at the end of the tunnel with the majority of the county's roads clear, however regional roads in the east of the county may remain impassable until tomorrow. Elsewhere, Met Eireann has issued another weather alert for the Banner county for Sunday. The low level yellow warning is due to come into effect on tomorrow morning from 6am to 6pm. The forecaster has warned of difficult travelling conditions and further damage to already weakened structures caused by storm Éowyn. Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly says people should make every effort to assess any damage from yesterday's storm, before the weather changes again tonight;

Increased fines and even penalty points are being tipped as potential solutions to stop motorists illegally parking in Clare's disabled bays. Although the total number of parking fines issued countywide dropped by a third last year, the number of fixed charged notices for parking in a disabled bay without a valid permit went up by more than 9% in Ennis alone. It was also the most common offence in Kilrush accounting for one in three fines there last year. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been speaking to business owners and the Clare Leader Forum about the parking matter, but began with Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch. Photo(C): Clare FM

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this week's Beyond Belief and hears about the Ennis Choral Festival from Carmel Honan. Fr Michael McCullough talks to Pat Coyle about his book, With Due Respect and Fr Gerry catches up with Stephen Fletcher after his return to Kilrush.

Kilrush RNLI is in mourning, following the passing of one of its members. Fintan Keating was one of Kilrush Lifeboat Station's original volunteers when it was established in 1994. Fintan dedicated over 30 years of service to the RNLI, demonstrating unwavering commitment to both the institution and his fellow volunteers. Kilrush RNLI Spokesperson, Charlie Glynn, and former Kilrush lifeboat operations manager, Pauline Dunleavy paid tribute to Fintan, on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (C): Clare FM

The Shannon Estuary is now home to what is believed to be the first ever humpback whale to take up residence in its waters. The whale was first sighted off the coast of Killimer on November 26th. Ships are now even slowing down in the Shannon Estuary as a result, and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has reached out to the Shannon Foynes Port Master to help avoid ship strikes. To find out more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Acting CEO of the IWDG and Project Manager of the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation based in Kilrush, Simon Berrow. Photo (c): ArtTower from pixabay via Canva

Kilrush RNLI is advising people to check weather and underfoot conditions when venturing out on coastal walks during the Christmas break. As part of its campaign to promote safety near coasts in conjunction with the Irish Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland, people are reminded to take a fully charged phone out with them and to be aware of hazardous conditions near cliff edges. If you, or a member of your party gets into difficulty, the RNLI can be contacted by dialing 999 or 112 and requesting the coast guard. Kilrush RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Charlie Glynn says people shouldn't be hesitant about calling in a potential emergency and shouldn't put themselves in danger in an attempted rescue.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits Kilrush Marina which lies in the tranquil waters of a sheltered harbour, making it a safe haven for boat owners, while the Marina's boatyard is also a hive of activity and a centre of excellence for boat maintenance and boat building. https://kilrushmarina.ie/

It's claimed people with disabilities in Clare are unable to enjoy an equal social life due to a lack of accessible facilities. The local authority has called on the outgoing Taoiseach and Minister for Finance to establish a grant scheme to allow for universal toilets to be installed in cafés, bars and restaurants. The issue has been widely highlighted in Kilrush, where 791 people are currently living with some form of disability. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says the lack of suitable infrastructure has led to very demoralising situations for locals.

Meanwhile 9,000 homes and businesses remain without power this morning. More Than six thousand properties lost supply at the peak of the storm last night. The worst hit areas were in the west and North of the county with the likes of Kildysart, Kilrush, Corofin, Doonbeg, Ennistymon, The Hand, Kilfenora and Ennis bieng heavily effected. ESB Technical Manager Michael Sammin say crews are working to restore supply, but admits its expected to take till tomorrow for electricity to be restored for many.

A host of Christmas markets and Christmas fairs will be happening all around County Clare this month. On Thursday's Morning Focus, we focused on Christmas festivities in Mountshannon, Broadford, Kilrush and Doonbeg. To find out what is planned, Alan Morrissey was joined by Frank Bouchier of Mountshannon Christmas Market, Karen O'Connor of Broadford Christmas Market, Eamon Peters of Kilrush Christmas Market and Karen McInerney of Doonbeg Christmas Market. Photo (c): Oleksandr P from Pexels via Canva

Irish consumers are planning to spend €329 each over the period of the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. Black Friday research from PwC reveals this figure to be higher than the planned spending by all other European countries that were surveyed. Meanwhile, 20% of consumers here said they would spend at least €500 or more. Nearly two-thirds of consumers said they would likely go bargain hunting over the period and purchase at least one item. Over a third said they would spend more than they did last year, with higher prices and the hope of getting good deals both factors in that. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis Chamber CEO, Margaret O'Brien and Caroline Francis of Little Gems in Kilrush. Photo (c) seyfettinozel from Getty Images Signature via Canva

As you have been hearing in our news bulletins throughout the morning, motorists in Clare are being warned of "treacherous" driving conditions this morning following heavy snowfall overnight. Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary remain under a Status Orange snow and ice warning until midday today, meaning very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption, disruption and delays to public transport, difficult conditions underfoot, and animal welfare issues are all possibilities. Gardaí say roads in West Clare are particularly bad, especially the N68 from Daragh to Kilrush, and are advising motorists to avoid travel if possible and for those who must head out on the roads to slow down, drive with extra care, and allow plenty of extra time for journeys. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined on the line by Senior Engineer at the Roads, Environment, and Water Services Department at Clare County Council, Cyril Feeney. Quilty 21/11/2024. Photo (c) Clare FM

Can We Speak Whale? is the title of an upcoming talk from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. It is an in-person talk aimed at young people as part of Science Week. Friday's event at Cultúrlann Sweeney Theatre in Kilkee is being held as part of Science Week. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Education and Outreach Officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group in Kilrush, Claire Kelly. Photo (c): artvizual from pixabay via Canva

Policymakers are being urged to prioritise the survival of Clare's existing towns following the collapse of an ambitious plan for growth in the South-East of the County. It comes as the University of Limerick has withdrawn an application to designate lands to the North of its campus as an economic Strategic Development Zone. one community group is welcoming the news and believes a shift in focus is required to tackle housing shortages, business closures, vacancy and dereliction in Clare's existing towns. Síle Ginnane from Better Ennis believes the SDZ would have led to further urban sprawl and that policy makers need to icentivise measures to get people living above shops and starting small businesses in the likes of Ennis, Kilkee, Kilrush and Ennistymon before they become ghost towns. She says balanced regional development must be prioritised.

The people of West Clare are said to be "heartbroken" by the news of a local man's tragic and untimely passing. A man in his 30s has been fatally injured in a road traffic collision which took place on the N67 Kilkee to Kilrush road at Lisdeen last evening. It's understood Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are on the scene today to carry out an examination and the road is expected to remain closed for a number of hours. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that the fact the man's tragic death has occurred so close to Christmas makes it all the more devastating for his loved ones.

It's claimed West Clare has missed out on an economic and social gamechanger following the omission of two major projects from a government funding programme. It's after grant applications for a 1,700m indoor sports facility in Kilrush as well as a diving and snorkelling centre of excellence for the Kilkee Sub Aqua Club were both unsuccessful in the latest round of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund. Although the scheme's assessment criteria prioritises deprived areas, Kilrush was not included despite being recognised as the most disadvantaged settlement in Clare by state agency Pobal. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says tackling regional imbalance in the county must become an election issue.

A nationwide initiative called Swim in Pink is being used to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Swim In Pink is taking place this Sunday, the 27th of October at 1pm with everyone gathering at the Cappa pier, in Kilrush. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by one of the key people behind the event, Pauline Dunleavy. Credit (c) Elements by Vector Tradition from Vectortradition via Canva

It's claimed Clare has the worst national secondary roads in the country. It comes as a special meeting will take place today to assess priority roads for resurfacing in the Kilrush and Ennistymon Electoral areas this year. Last year, just 6% of Clare's road network was restrengthened, well below the national 10% target. Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says increased investment is urgently needed.

The Bank Holiday weekend in Kilrush promises to be a good one. That's because the south-west Clare town will play host to Sound Out, a weekend of arts events. It is a celebration of spoken word, story and song. With workshops, talks and performances, there's something for everyone. To discover more about what will be happening, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lily De Sylva, of Silverwood events. Photo (c): Clare FM

A listener got in touch to share her story. She has been in homeless accommodation for a number of years. She has two children, one of whom is autistic, and has faced difficulties, including numerous moves to different accommodation, along with unwelcome visitors of the furry type to where she lives. Our listener called into the studio recently to explain her situation. Alan Morrissey was also joined by Independent TD from Kilrush, Violet-Anne Wynne, who has worked closely with her from the start. Photo (c): by plp609 from pcess609 via Canva.

The cleanup operation continues in Clare today, in the wake of Storm Ashley. At least 247 homes and businesses in the greater Ennis, Drumquin, Ennistymon, Kilrush and Scariff areas remain without power this morning, after gusts of up to 106 kilometres per hour battered the county. ESB crews are working to restore power to those affected, with faults in most areas expected to be dealt with by half past two this afternoon, though some face a longer wait until evening. While all Shannon Airport services operated to schedule yesterday, thirteen flight diversions have been facilitated by the Midwest Airport, seven of those originally due to land at Cork Airport and six due at Dublin. Between 3am on Sunday and 2am this morning, Clare County Council and Clare County Fire Service responded to over 50 different callouts to incidents across the county due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Ashley. Clare's Chief Fire Officer, Adrian Kelly says it was a powerful storm that led to downed trees and power lines and debris on the roads and he's urging motorists and those out and about this morning to take extra care.

At least 247 homes and businesses in the greater Ennis, Drumquin, Ennistymon, Kilrush and Scariff areas remain without power this morning, after gusts of up to 106 kilometres per hour battered the county. ESB crews are working to restore power to those affected, with faults in most areas expected to be dealt with by half past two this afternoon, though some face a longer wait until evening. Between 3am on Sunday and 2am this morning, Clare County Council and Clare County Fire Service responded to over 50 different callouts to incidents across the county due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Ashley. Clare's Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly spoke with Clare FM Head of News Fiona Cahill earlier this morning about the operation. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by ESB Clare Area Manager, Alan Hogan. Photo (c) Clare County Council

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 Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about the thrive consultations in Ennis, Laura Mulcahy's Song Writing Workshop in Kilrush, the Common Knowledge Movement Workshop and much more!

It's claimed the lack of a nearby Emergency Department is preventing GPs from working in rural Clare. The HSE has received no suitable applications for a General Practitioner vacancy in Kilrush, despite advertising the role on five separate occasions since January 2023. It's also emerged, just six practices in this county are offering dental services to medical card holders under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme; spread across Ennis, Killaloe, Sixmilebridge and Scariff. HSE Regional Health Forum West member, and Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says enhanced recruitment incentives are urgently needed.

The imminent overhaul of Moneypoint Power Station is expected to bring an employment boom to West Clare. It comes as ESB has been granted planning permission to convert the Kilrush plant from a coal burning to an oil burning facility, which will enable Moneypoint to serve as an emergency electricity supplier to the national grid from 2025 to 2029. The process is mooted to create between 90 and 100 jobs and will pave the way for Moneypoint's future as an offshore wind energy hub after 2030. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it's a vital step for the region.

Residents of a West Clare village plagued by persistent water issues are said to be "pulling their hair out" once again this week due to widespread discolouration. A large watermain burst has resulted in discoloured water in many homes and businesses in Doonbeg as well as parts of Kilrush, Cahermurphy and Moneypoint. Uisce Éireann says repair works have taken place and discolouration "is not unusual" following such works, while it's advised customers not to drink discoloured water and to run the tap for several minutes in order to restore water to a clear colour. Doonbeg resident Jennie Drysdale, whose husband suffers from multiple sclerosis meaning they need constant access to clean water, says people in the area are sick and tired of seemingly never-ending problems with their water supply.

It's claimed Kilrush is at a standstill due to extensive broadband outages across the town. It's understood a service issue with the Eir network will be rectified by 7pm this evening, but until then over 4,400 people in the catchment area are without coverage. The loss of an internet and landline connection has led to reports of major disruption , with all banks and some businesses forced to close as they cannot access IT systems. Owner of Cocolemon Hair Salon on Frances Street Dawn Bennett has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan a back up system must be put in place to prevent future incidents as the loss to the town today has been detrimental.

As part of West Clare Mental Health Association's free events programme to celebrate Mental Health Week 2024 and World Mental Health Day on October 10th, John Lonergan, retired Governor of Mount Joy Prison will pay a visit to Kilrush Community Centre. He will give a talk which focuses on Finding Happiness & Contentment in our lives and will take place this Thursday, October 3rd. To find out what to expect, Alan Morrisey was joined by Retired Governor of Mount Joy Prison, John Lonergan. Photo (c): West Clare Mental Health Association

Stephen Fletcher presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief which features an interview with Linda Hebenstreit from Lahinch. Linda talks about growing up in Connecticut on the East Coast of the US and then getting married and living for 10 years in a log cabin in Minnesota with no water or electricity. After years of extended visits to Co Clare Linda with husband Dave settled in Co Clare and became Irish citizens. An interest in sea shells inspired Linda to produce a book the Shell Hunter's Journal which has recently been launched in Banner Books in Kilrush and Enistimon