Podcasts about mountshannon

Volunteers are urgently being sought to train the next generation of Clare's open water lifesavers. The Clare branch of Water Safety Ireland is currently seeking instructors and swim teachers to provide lessons across Miltown Malbay, Mountshannon, Doonbeg, Cappa, Ballyvaughan, Kilkee, Labasheeda, Flagmount and Carrigaholt. Open water safety classes in Clare are among the longest running in Ireland, with the tradition now in its 80th year. Clarecastle based Chair of Water Safety Ireland Claire McGrath says it's vital new personnel are trained to keep our recreational water hotspots safe.

 live on the phone from Mountshannon talking about events taking place during the Mountshannon Arts Festival taking place this weekend.  Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 31st May 2025 hosted by Patricia Anne Moore and Tom Hanley. as broadcast from the Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre, the Green, Killaloe, https://kbfrc.ie/  Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

A Minister of State believes the death of a white-tailed eagle in Clare was the result of illegal activity. An investigation is underway following the death of Caimin, one of Ireland's oldest breeding white-tailed eagles, whose body was found in Mountshannon on Saturday May 24th. Caimin held territory at the Mountshannon nest site on Lough Derg for 17 years and was brought to Ireland from Norway as part of a programme aimed a re-establishing a population of the previously extinct species here. The misuse or illegal use of poisons accounts for nearly 50% of eagle deaths and Fianna Fáil Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan, says it's likely this is how Caimin died.

With featured poet Ailbhe Wheatly writer, visual artist and yoga teacher.  Her poetry explores themes of embodiment and interrelationship.  Music from Clíodhna Donnellan and Róisín Ní Ghallóglaigh with poetry open mic. Compered by Róisín Bugler and recorded LIVE by SBCR on 1st May 2025 at the Snug, Mountshannon, Co Clare. Originally broadcast Sunday 11th May 2025

Mountshannon will be a hive of activity this bank holiday weekend for the Mountshannon Arts Festival. Thousands are expected to descend on the East Clare village for the annual event, which runs from this Thursday, the 29th of May, until Monday, the 2nd of June. Singer Mary Coughlan will perform, while there will be plenty of other musical performances, as well as theatre, children's entertainment, and much more besides. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chairperson of Mountshannon Arts, Mel White. Photo(C): Mountshannon Arts facebook page

 This week Host Jim Collins is joined on the phone by correspondent Ursula Hogan for all the news.  Around the parishes  is sponsored by Tom Collins engineering.

For National Biodiversity Week we bring you stories of traditional farming and rural life and how they relate to biodiversity.  There are very few direct references to biodiversity in the Cuimhneamh an Chláir archive since that concept has only become part of common language in more recent times.  However there are stories of plant life and nature, cures, dyes, farming practices etc that tell us in subtle ways about biodiversity and environmental sustainability.Featured are Brendan Dunford from Tubber (Burren Beo Trust), John Vaughan from Kilfenora, Pat & Oliver Nagle from Corofin, Sean O' Halloran from Kilfenora, Paddy Joe McMahon from Cappabane, Scariff, Teresa Flynn from Mountshannon, Thomas Barry from Inagh, Michael McGrath from Lisdoonvarna / Scariff, Bridie Mahony from Moughna, Catherine Talty from Coore.  The collectors / cuairteóirí are Paula Carroll, Tomás MacConmara, Frances Madigan.For more of Catherine Talty's self-recordings check the Cuimhneamh an Chláir collections at Digital Repository of Ireland, supported by The Heritage Council.  GLOSSARY OF TERMSSwallow hole: Many rivers in the Burren area of Co. Clare flow underground as well as overground, due to the many fissures in the limestone pavement. Swallow holes are the point at which the surface water disappears underground.In Seán O' Halloran's account:Scailp (Irish): The cleft between rocks, very common in the Burren in Co. ClareRúitín (Irish): AnkleFáisceán (Irish): – a home-made tourniquet used to keep an animal's broken leg bound and immobilised Series 2 of The Clare Oral History Podcast is supported by The Ireland Funds Follow Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Instagram, Facebook, X or LinkedIn

Talking about the Aran knits pop us show fundraising for communities and charities. An event took place in Mountshannon on the 8th of March 2025 in aid of SCAR- second chance animal welfare. The last pop up shop takes place on the 29th of March in Kilmurry. https://www.facebook.com/p/Aran-Knits-Mobile-Pop-Up-Shop-100093620860430/  Originally broadcast as part of  Saturday Chronicle 1st March 2025  hosted by John S Kelly and Jim Collins. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

-Presented by Ursula Hogan -00.24 We hear from Brian Lohan after the satisfying win over Limerick last weekend, -04.25 Joe O'Riordan tells us about development at Iniscealtra National School in Mountshannon -09.25 Sean 'Halloran of Bodyke GAA walks us through recent innovations at the club grounds. Originally broadcast 8th March 2025

This week Host Jim Collins is joined on the phone by Mountshannon correspondent Ursula Hogan for all the news.  Around the parishes is sponsored by Tom Collins engineering.

 resident in Mountshannon for the last ten years teaches eurythmy- part of the curriculum in Steiner Schools worldwide. Roxanne talks about her journey to East Clare as well as her love of the harp. Originally broadcast as part of  Saturday Chronicle 8th February 2025 hosted by Jim Collins with Tom Hanley. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

Mountshannon native, living in Tulla and Re elected back to the Dail for the Constituency of Clare at the last general election after a poll topping performance. Timmy was recently made a Junior Minister with responsibility as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine with special responsibility for Fisheries and at the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy with special responsibility for the Marine. He came into studio to talk live with Pat and Anthony. Originally broadcast as part of  Saturday Chronicle 15th February 2025 hosted by Pat O'Brien and Anthony Lenihan. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

It is time for the seventh episode of our second season of The Village Tour. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan Morrissey chats with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more. In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan paid a visit to Mountshannon.

How would you fancy living in a home that only takes ten minutes to hoover? Cathy Bogenberger is lucky enough to be in such a position. Of course, it probably helps that the Mountshannon woman lives in a tiny home! To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare owner of a tiny home, Cathy Bogenberger. Photo (C): Cathy Bogenberger

The ESB is aiming to restore power in large pockets of East, West and North Clare today as the county continues to grapple with the fallout of Storm Éyowen. Over 44,000 homes and businesses were without electricity here at the peak of the storm, but this was reduced to just 9,700 last night. Today the utility is aiming to return power to parts of Ballyvaughan, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Moy, Lahinch, Drumindoora, Feakle, Mountshannon and Tulla. Clare Area Technical Manager Michael Sammin has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that some households will be without electricity until early next week and that due to repairs, some recurring outages are possible.

-00.25 Tom Hanley talks to Cliodhna Coyne of the Berry tree cafe in Mountshannon. -10.50  Snippets from some of the 25 hours hours of SBCR coverage of the General election 2024.  Originally broadcast 7th December 2024

-00.40 Jim Collins spoke to organisers and participants at the 4th annual Derg swim in Mountshannon harbour in aid of Raheen Community hospital. -14.46  Christmas songs from boys and girls of Tuamgraney national school are recent lighting of Christmas lights in the East Clare memorial park.  Originally broadcast 28th December 2024

talking about the 4th annual dip in the Derg taking place on Christmas Day in Mountshannon in aid of Raheen Community Hospital.   Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 21st December 2024 hosted by Marie McNamara and Trish Nugent. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

Bobby McMahon is a Clare man who found himself in a rock band, in the Land of the Rising Sun! He is the frontman of Japanese band Eirfoyl. Bobby isn't the only blow-in in the band: Eirfoyl, who include members from the Netherlands and the US, describe themselves as “igniting the spirit of global collaboration through their infectious pop rock melodies.” To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mountshannon native and Frontman of Japanese band Eirfoyl, Bobby McMahon.

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

 - 00.20 Jim Collins speaks to Roisin Bugler about events for Cluture night in Mountshannon. -08.40 Michael Madden President Scariff Rugby club talking about the opening of their new premises. -17.23 Jack Tracy of Whitegate talking about a walk that took place in memory of Cora Garvey which has been taking place since 2016. Originally broadcast 14th September 2024

An East Clare councillor says he's 'certain' the renewal of a walking trail in Mountshannon will attract more visitors to the locality. In a motion at this weeks Killaloe Municipal District, the local authority was called on to engage with Coillte to set in motion the process of renewing Woodpark Forest Park in Mountshannon. Criticisms have been made of Ireland's semi-state forestry company, Coillte, for not continuously maintaining the park. However, a funding application has been sent, with an update expected in early 2025. Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor, Pat Burke, claims that in tandem with the Inis Cealtra Visitor Centre, a renovated Woodpark Forest would bring increased footfall to the locality.

 This week Host Jim Collins is joined on the phone by Mountshannon correspondent Ursula Hogan for all the news.  Around the parishes is sponsored by Tom Collins engineering.

Supernatural experiences abound in Irish Folklore.  The veil is thin between the concrete world and the other dimensions especially in the dark part of the year.  The stories are told by Teresa Flynn from Mountshannon, Paddy Murphy, Joe Jack Sexton and Martin Walsh from Mullagh, John Hastings from Quin, Bridie Mahony from Moughna, Peggy Hogan from Feakle, and Sean Crowe from Broadford.GLOSSARY OF TERMSBanshee or 'Bean sí' a female spirit in Irish and other folklores whose appearance or wailing warns of impending death'Cóiste bodhar' or Death Coach: a harbinger of death.'Habit': Attire for dead person, similar to monk's habit.  Sold in local shops.  A plenary indulgence (Catholic faith) was gained if the hand of the dying person was put through the sleeve of the habit before they died.'Ragairne' / 'going on ragairne': night visiting to neighbours' houses'Piseogs': A form of folk magic, always malevolent. Performed to cause misfortune to someone, such as burying eggs or an animal carcass on someone's land. 'Making a churn': making butter'Scillanes': seed potatoes'Sock of the plough': metal part of a plough'Bittling': a way of washing clothes in the river by slapping them on a wooden block (a bittle). This sound was offered as an explanation for the handclap sometimes heard when the Banshee appeared.Series 2 of The Clare Oral History Podcast is supported by The Ireland FundsFollow Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Instagram, Facebook, X or LinkedIn

 This event is an interactive historical talk led by local historian Noel Murphy and a group from Robertstown who have worked tirelessly to restore the barge. The talk will highlight the historical, commercial and cultural importance of barges in our lakeshore community of Mountshannon and Lough Derg and a discussion with the Robertstown Committee on the restoration project.  This event is supported by the Waterways Ireland Community Heritage Grant Scheme. Originally broadcast on SBCR on the 25th August and took place at the 2024 Mountshannon Arts Festival.  The 52M, a barge restored by the Robertstown Community Amenities Association based in Robertstown, Kildare, retraces journeys of old down the Grand Canal onto the Shannon and down Lough Derg to moor in Mountshannon Harbour for the Mountshannon Arts Festival.  

Concerns have been raised over a lack of access to GP's in Kildysart. Due to complications with the service provider, many residents now have to travel to Clarecastle to receive treatment at the Safron and Blue Medical Clinic in Clarecastle. A community meeting took place in Kildysart last Monday evening to discuss the issue, and since then the matter has been raised with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who has pledged to meet a delegation from the community. To find out more about what is going on, Alan Morrissey was joined by Timmy Dooley, Clare Fianna Fáil Senator from Mountshannon.

 talking re Culture Night in Mountshannon and her own composition for that night's concert. Hosted by Tom Hanley and Patricia Anne Moore- Saturday Chronicle is kindly sponsored by James M Nash and Co and Derg Kitchen Design   http://dergkitchendesign.ie

Tus Clare Intermediate Championship round 3  as played in Bodyke  on 7th September 2024. Full match commentary with Pat McNamara on commentary with Sean O'Halloran and and Danny Chaplin on analysis  -00.00  introduction -04.10 start first half -35.15 Half time analysis -37.53 Second half -1.12.25 end of game analysis  Sportsline is sponsored by Derg Credit Union https://dergcreditunion.ie  Outside broadcast sponsored by Michael Long Construction 

Clare County Council is expressing confidence that tourists will flock from all corners of Europe to a new attraction here. The tender has been published for fit-out works on the Old Rectory in Mountshannon which will be repurposed as a vistor an interpretative centre for Inis Cealtra. The tender is worth €300,000 and submissions must be in by September 9th. General Manager of Clare Tourism East Stephen Hanley believes people will come from far and wide to experience Inis Cealtra once it's open to the public next March.

The GAA are seeking expressions of interest for a provider to broadcast games currently shown on GAAGO. The media rights will be for the games which the streaming platform currently broadcast within Ireland, and which were previously behind the Sky Sports paywall. GAAGO has faced plenty of criticism from both the public and some politicians over the number and importance of the games behind a paywall on a service that is dependent on broadband. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Verney, former Offaly Hurler and Sports Journalist and Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil Senator, from Mountshannon, Oireachtas Communications Committee Member.

Driving instructors are calling for a 'massive overhaul' of driving tests, in order to prevent road deaths. The Professional Driving Instructors Association claims the current model does not require enough lessons with a trained mentor before sitting the test. It believes a change in the programme would prevent a further increase in road deaths. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chris Curran, of Chris Curran Coaching in Ennis and Fianna Fáil Senator from Mountshannon, and Oireachtas Transport Committee representative, Timmy Dooley.

Doorknockers Theatre Company are presenting three one-act plays by Lady Gregory in the Hall in Mountshannon this week, on Tuesday the 9th and Wednesday 10th. The performances are preparatory to a tour to Switzerland, where they will be presented at an international drama festival. For more on this, Peter O' Connell was joined by Paul Brennan, the Director of Doorknockers Theatre Company.

Clare's newly-appointed Seasonal Dog Warden says she'll strive to make the county's beaches safe spaces for all this summer. The local authority has bolstered its beach patrols for the summer bathing season in order to combat issues such as dog fouling and dog attacks. Clare FM's Seán Lyons reports. ===== With the summer bathing season now well underway, Clare County Council has vowed to take a dogged approach to beach safety. From May 15th up to September 15th, a host of beaches across the county are monitored for dog control. The monitored areas are Ballyalla Lake, Ballycuggeran, Killaloe, Bishopsquarter, Brew's Bridge, Cappagh, Carrigaholt, Doolin, Fanore, Kilkee, Lahinch, Mountshannon, Querrin Pier, Quilty, Seafield, Spanish Point, Trá Leathan, White Strand Doonbeg and White Strand Miltown Malbay. To facillitate these patrols, Annette Kenny has been appointed as Seasonal Dog Warden for the county. She says her role isn't to prevent people from enjoying the summer months with their canine companions but to ensure everyone feels safe and secure when visiting the county's waterways. [CLIP] Beach bye-laws restrict dogs from being on beaches from 11am to 6pm throughout the bathing season. Long-serving Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote insists this is necessary as violent incidents have taken place in the past. He says stern consequences will face those who fail to rein in their pets.

An East Clare Village will host the latest popup Gaeltacht in this county next Wednesday evening. Nuala's Bar & Restaurant in Tuamgraney is the location for the event facilitated by Conradh na Gaelige. Scarriff, Feakle and Mountshannon have all previously played host to the event which caters to people with all levels of Irish. Organiser of the event Brenán Baguio believes conversation is the best way to preserve the language.

It's hoped the new public fountain drinking water scheme to be rolled out in Clare and across the country will transform habits in local communities. The €2m programme announced by government this week, will provide funding for over 350 water refill stations at public buildings, civic spaces, bathing areas, beaches and greenways. According to refill.ie, over 146,000 single use plastic bottles go without being recycled every single day. Mountshannon based Green Party local election candidate Audrey Flynn believes the scheme will combat littering countywide.

There are calls for targeted investment in slow tourism initiatives in East Clare. Last April, the adopted 'Killaloe Municipal District Strategy & Work Plan' identified the promotion of greenway and blueway attractions among fifteen key objectives for the region's future. Later this year, the local authority is hoping to open a landmark visitor centre at Inis Cealtra in tandem with the launch of public realm enhancements in Mountshannon in a €4.2m investment. East Clare Green Party local election candidate Audrey Flynn insists the local authority must match this funding with eco-tourism products.

It's hoped the plight of Clare people locked out of housing will be highlighted at a major national protest today. The 'raise the roof' demonstration will take place outside Leinster House at 11 to coincide with an opposition proposal calling on the Government to develop an inclusive housing strategy. There are plans to construct 50 affordable homes across Ennis and Shannon this year, but the scheme is being targeted at those earning between €55K and €70k per year, despite the social housing cut off being €35,000. Mountshannon based Social Democrats local election candidate Fiona Levie insists the policy is not fit for purpose.

A €400K public realm enhancement of a prominent East Clare town has been put out to tender by the local authority. Clare County Council is now accepting bids from contractors to complete paving and landscaping works as part of the Mountshannon public realm and mobility plan. It's envisaged the works will begin within the next two months and the project is expected to be completed later this year to coincide with the opening of the new visitor centre at Holy Island (Inis Cealtra). Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke is confident there will be minimal impact to local business during construction.

It might be hard to believe, but mayfly season is starting soon and it's expected on Lough Derg from around April 20th onwards.  This week's guest is Shane Creamer from the Garrykennedy Angling Club and he gives us some great and honest insights into fishing Derg during mayfly and the rest of the season.And here's the link to the 2004 article on the thriving hatchery at Mountshannon that is discussed during the episode:https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/new-ross-news/fishing-revival-on-lough-derg/27439705.html  Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.    Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. Mayfly Tactics MasterclassMayfly time is the pinnacle for most brown trout anglers and we're pleased to announce our next Ireland on the Fly Masterclass is focusing on mayfly tactics with international angler, guide and renowned fly tyer, Jackie Mahon.On Thursday 25th of April at 8pm, Jackie will be discussing how to make the most of the conditions, the best flies and methods to use, as well as giving his tips and insights from a lifetime of experience.To join us for this Masterclass on Thursday 25th of April just go to:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3138230924312556894Tickets cost €10 and all attendees will get a copy of Jackie's notes as well as access to the recording of the webinar afterwards.And stay tuned for our masterclasses throughout 2024, covering salmon, rivers, loughs, streamers, lures, dries – everything to make you a better salmon or trout fly angler, helping you to catch more this year and learn from the best.For more information email us on info@irelandonthefly.com 

The leader of the Social Democrats insists the correct roll-out of Sláintecare is key to resolving issues around access to healthcare in the Midwest. Holly Cairns has been speaking on a visit to Ennis where she's met with her party's Clare local election candidates; Ennis-based Hilary Tonge and Mountshannon's Fiona Levie. 1,691 admitted patients were left waiting on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick in March which was down 5% on the same month last year. Deputy Cairns claims the lack of meaningful progress at the region's main hospital can be blamed on a "lack of political will" to properly implement the Government's overriding health policy.

The Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience is a landmark tourism project currently being developed on the banks of Lough Derg in East Clare. A highly-skilled multi-disciplinary team is engaged in works on the site in Mountshannon and sustainability as well as the protection of the local biodiversity are critical focuses of the project. Valerie Mulvin and her team at McCullough Mulvin Architects, worked very closely with the local community in advance of the commencement of the works.

Councillors in East Clare insist their water is safe for consumption, despite a recent EPA Audit that identified a number of issues at treatment plants in Mountshannon and Scariff. The newly published report found that both facilities lacked the necessary measures to ensure adequate disinfection.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn meets Ennis-based visual and performance artist Rachel MacManus before visiting Artisan Blacksmith Reece Saul Foster in a 270-year-old forge in Mountshannon.

A Clare Government Senator claims farmers are being held to ransom by the unfair trading practices of rendering plants. It comes as deceased livestock remains in situ on holdings across the country due to the second week of the collectors and renderers dispute. Since December 4th, Ireland's three rendering plants located in Waterford, Dublin, Wicklow and Meath have stopped accepting material from the country's thirty-eight knackeries. Otherwise known as Fallen Animal Collectors, Knackeries claim they're unable to meet recent price hikes imposed by renderers. This means for the last eight days and counting, farmers have had no-one to remove dead livestock from their farms, with vets now advising farmers have to place animals in half-tonne tarpaulin bags. Martina Coffey from Vincent Cofffey and Sons Knackery in Ennis says the industry has been caught between rising Irish render prices and the lack of subsidies. Clare's Fianna Fáil Senator believes its time for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to intervene in the dispute. Earlier this year, the cost of rendering increased from €60 to €180 per tonne, while under the fallen animals scheme, knackeries are limited in terms of how much of this cost they can actually pass on to farmers. Senator Timmy Dooley claims renderers must be investigated for unfair trading practices. The Mountshannon native says they're attempting to hold farmers, local business and the government to ransom, during an immensely challenging time for all involved.

On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil Senator from Mountshannon, who is calling for the Garda Commissioner to step down. The Clare Senator told the Seanad that frontline gardaí don't think Drew Harris “has their back." Some opposition parties have called on both Commissioner Harris and Justice Minister Helen McEntee to resign, arguing their positions have become untenable following last week's riots in the capital. Commissioner Harris is set to appear before the Oireachtas Justice Committee this afternoon. Justice Minister Helen McEntee was also due to be there, but will be standing in for the Taoiseach at leaders questions in the Dáil instead. Picture (c) by Stephen Barnes from Getty Images via Canva

Clare County Council is reassuring that jobs will be protected under a new deal which will result in the outsourcing of retail, food and beverage services at its newly acquired Shannon Heritage sites. As part of a corporate restructuring of Shannon Heritage DAC, the local authority will be appointing two specialist operators for the services at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience. The Council has confirmed that all 66 full-time and part-time employees will be transferred to the new operators in April 2024 and that staff pay and conditions will be protected under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations. A tender process is due to get underway in December, with the sccuessful companies to commence operating in May next year. However, SIPTU Divisional Organiser Rachel Keane has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that staff need urgent clarity on the future of their positions. Statement From Clare County Council: As part of a corporate restructuring of Shannon Heritage DAC, Clare County Council has confirmed it will be appointing two specialist retail, food and beverage operators for its newly acquired visitor attractions. A key requirement of the operating conditions will be that all future service providers must support local suppliers and producers in Clare. All 66 employees, including 31 Full Time and 35 Part Time workers, will be transferred to the new operators in April 2024. Staff pay and conditions are protected under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, also known as TUPE. This restructuring follows the tried and tested business model at the Cliffs of Moher Experience where specialist retail and food operators are already in place. Two tender processes for retail and the provision catering services, including banqueting food preparation and food and beverage operations, will commence in December 2023 at the Shannon Heritage sites. It is anticipated the successful companies will commence operating in May 2024. Clare County Council's ongoing commitment to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience is reflected in a €14.7m capital investment being made in 2023 and 2024. The Local Authority, supported by government, has already invested more than €4m in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher since the Shannon Heritage properties were transferred from The Shannon Airport Group in May 2023, while €2.9m has been invested in upgrading the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre in Kilrush. An additional €7.8m has been earmarked for investment during 2024 in the Clare County Council owned portfolio of attractions, which includes Inis Cealtra (Holy Island Visitor Experience) in Mountshannon, the Cliffs of Moher Experience and Loop Head Light house.

The government has agreed a bailout worth 56 million euro for RTÉ. 16 million of which will be given in the coming weeks, with a further 40 million euro to follow next year. New reforms for the national broadcaster will include no RTÉ staff can earn more than the Director General Kevin Bakhurst, who currently earns around a quarter of a million euro a year. Joe Duffy, Claire Byrne and Miriam O'Callaghan all face a reduction in salaries as part of the new cuts. The national broadcaster's new strategic vision and cost-cutting plan outlines a 'voluntary redundancy scheme' where the workforce at the organisation will be cut by 20% resulting in 400 job losses between 2024 and 2028, and will target those who earn over one hundred thousand euro a year. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Timmy Dooley a Fianna Fail Senator from Mountshannon and member of the Oireachtas Media Committee on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Picture (c) by .shock from Getty Images via Canva

It's hoped a major redevelopment of an East Clare tourism site will create lead to employment opportunities down the line. Clare County Council has this week announced that a contract has been signed with M. Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd for the redevelopment of the Inis Cealtra visitor centre in Mountshannon. The project, which is due to be completed in late 2024, will comprise a revitalised exhibition area, a reception area, an upstairs café and rectory garden as well as waste water optimisation works and public realm enhancements. Director of Tourism Development with Clare County Council Leonard Cleary is confident that once tourists begin to flock to the site, business opportunities and jobs will follow.

The Clare-based Chair of Co-Operative Housing Ireland claims the organisation's work will be key to solving the housing crisis. Co-Operative Housing Ireland, which was founded in 1973, is an approved housing body which currently provides over 4,500 homes to low-income households nationwide. As of October 2023, CHI provides 249 homes in Clare, 31 of which were delivered since January of this year, while 463 dwellings have been delivered nationally since the beginning of the year. Mountshannon resident and CHI Chair, Pearse O'Shiel believes the co-operative housing model boosts housing stock while also placing an emphasis on community values.

Waterways Ireland is proposing changes to its bye-laws to enable the protection of biodiversity, water quality, heritage as well as the wellbeing of the users of waterways. The consultation process will conclude tomorrow on the 27th of October and 850 submissions have been received so far. Inspector of Navigation of Waterways Ireland Paddy Harkin says updating the bye-laws and putting an emphasis on safety would serve to attract more people to the likes of Killaloe and Mountshannon.