Podcasts about sixmilebridge

A West Clare town has the third-lowest average household income nationwide. New data published by the Central Statistics Office has revealed that Kilrush has the highest proportion of people in the county making less than €20,000 a year. Meanwhile, the town at the top of Clare's household income table is Sixmilebridge, where residents make €53,666 on average. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Mary O'Donoghue of West Clare Family Resource Centre and Alan O'Callaghan as Mayor of Clare to give a regional imbalance overview and Sixmilebridge angle as local councillor. Photo(C): Visit Clare Facebook

Former Dublin Ladies Football boss Mick Bohan is here in studio joined by his former goalkeeper Ciara Trant - as well as Ger Gilroy!- 2009, Six Nations Grand SlamParc des princes, Ireland v France.- Italia 90, Genoa, Ireland v Romania.- 2024, Clare hurling final, Feakle v Sixmilebridge.- 2025, Orlando Magic v Atlanta Hawks.- 2017, All-Ireland Final, Dublin v Mayo.Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Stephen Minogue chats to people in Sixmilebridge, Scariff and Tulla. Recorded on 17th March 2025

Retailers say Gardaí need to do more to tackle anti-social behaviour. A survey by Excel Recruitment found shops want to see more urgency in tackling rising crime levels, including bringing in Anti-Social Behaviour Orders or ASBOs, and increasing funding for CCTV schemes. CSO figures for July to September last year show robberies from shops are up 10 per cent nationally on 2023 levels, while here in Clare, shop theft was the second most common type of offence, though figures remained relatively static in 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year, with 164 instances recorded. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Flora Crowe, of Crowe's Gala in Sixmilebridge and Patrick Bourke Photo(C): Animaflora from Getty Images Pro via canva

The question on the lips of Sixmilebridge is who won the jackpot. It's after a lucky punter scooped €500,000 on a Euromillions ticket purchased at Crowe's Gala. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan visited the store yesterday to capture the excitement and first asked local legend Jerry Lyons how he would spend the winnings.

Nick is joined by David Yates a week out from the Cheltenham Festival. Trainer Fergal O'Brien joins the show to reveal that Sixmilebridge has failed a dope test that will see him DQ'd from his Trials Day win. He also explains the reason for the failure and seeks to reassure the public ahead of next week. Also today, owner Bryan Drew discusses the options for Final Demand, not ruling out the Albert Bartlett, while Romeo Coolio breeder Will Kinsey joins the show and also has news of the Cheltenham Bloodstock preview. Plus, Dan Barber with the Timeform perspective, and Joe Grimwade, consultant to the TBA, with news of the Stud Employee Accident Benefit Scheme.

Tracy Fahey is one of the many great authors who will be making an appearance at this year's Ennis Book Club Festival. The murder mystery writer will be appearing alongside fellow Clare-based authors, Tracy Fahey, and Eilís Haden-Storrie this Friday, at the Temple Gate Hotel. The 2025 Ennis Book Club Festival, starts Friday, March 7th and runs until Sunday, March 9th. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Sixmilebridge based author, Tracy Fahey. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1146282880831979&set=a.483580813768859&__cft__[0]=AZV0rFSln_Em0w28-KR58OTb3JQeaOWvisW4w7yyNRDDAUdy6wzglgEq6Gj6Q7czxHXFNrEhdWPFN9UM3xEVrt2fd2pY7W99xfERcE_t9p_zIqdp1J2bUkQtRy8WcUb05yxaVFt5wLDLzKoKJAJMbPK1PBHWStJHxQVm8ivPSlnIjQ&__tn__=EH-R

A South-Clare community has been overcome with celebrations today following a major euromillions win. Crowe's Gala in Sixmilebridge sold the lucky ticket in what's the town's biggest lottery win in almost a decade. The excitement has been enough for some loyal customers of Crowe's Gala to break into song this lunchtime. After a very lucky customer of the Sixmilebridge store purchased one of two winning Euromillion's tickets last night to scoop a half a million euro prize. Shop Owner Flora Crowe received a call from National Lottery HQ late last night with the good news. Although the winner is yet to claim their prize, with the lucky numbers being 3,6,9, 36 and 44, Flora has a theory about who the winner or winners may be. It's the biggest win Sixmilebridge has seen in almost a decade, having surpassed the million mark before. The big question on everyone's lips today is who the mystery winner is and customers are being urged to check their tickets. Darragh O'Dwyer from the National Lottery has advice for the lucky winner, while some customers have been telling Clare FM what they'd do with the jackpot. But the overwhelming consensus in Sixmilebridge today is good fortune.

Nick is joined by David Yates a week out from the Cheltenham Festival. Trainer Fergal O'Brien joins the show to reveal that Sixmilebridge has failed a dope test that will see him DQ'd from his Trials Day win. He also explains the reason for the failure and seeks to reassure the public ahead of next week. Also today, owner Bryan Drew discusses the options for Final Demand, not ruling out the Albert Bartlett, while Romeo Coolio breeder Will Kinsey joins the show and also has news of the Cheltenham Bloodstock preview. Plus, Dan Barber with the Timeform perspective, and Joe Grimwade, consultant to the TBA, with news of the Stud Employee Accident Benefit Scheme.

The CEO of Irish Rail believes the reopening of the Crusheen Rail Stop will happen "in the medium term". The national railway network operator has this week announced plans for capacity enhancements on the Limerick to Galway line which includes Ennis and Sixmilebridge. It comes as the Crusheen railway station has been put forward for consideration for the Rural Regeneration and Development fund. Cooraclare native and Iarnród Éireann CEO Jim Meade says his organisation is fully supportive of the project pending funding approval.

A Clare man has been handed a prestigious role for this year's St. Patrick's Day parade in New York. Gerry Grady who hails from Minister's Cross in Sixmilebridge will be the Grand Marshal for the Emerald Guild Society for the world's oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day parade! To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gerry Grady and Former Councillor PJ Ryan. Photo (c) Gerry Grady at Tavern On the Green In NYC by Nuala Purcell, Event photographer

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

Joan Keogh who hails from Sixmilebridge, has been awarded the Gradam an Uachtaran from the GAA. It's a well-deserved accolade, given Joan's dedication to her local GAA club. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with Joan Keogh on Monday's Morning Focus. Image (c) Sixmilebridge GAA Club via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=477010020595948&set=a.477009987262618

For this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn travelled to Sixmilebridge to meet award-winning author and academic Dr Tracy Fahey. Tracy holds a PhD on the Gothic and lectures in Critical and Contextual Studies at the Limerick School of Art and Design.

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop to discuss the latest from around the racing world after a turbulent weekend. They are joined by Peter Savill and Ralph Beckett, on opposing sides of the argument over the idea that racecourses should pay trainers for TV interviews. Lydia dissects the arguments, before going onto discuss the running and riding enquiries that were another feature of the weekend's racing, concerning Iroko, Delta Work and Owl of Athens. They unravel all the key performances from Trials' Day, with Fergal O'Brien joining the show regarding Sixmilebridge and Crambo, plus news on Dysart Enos. Meanwhile, Willie Carson shares his joy at having bred Ameerat Alzaman, the impressive winner of the Saudi 1,000 Guineas.

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop to discuss the latest from around the racing world after a turbulent weekend. They are joined by Peter Savill and Ralph Beckett, on opposing sides of the argument over the idea that racecourses should pay trainers for TV interviews. Lydia dissects the arguments, before going onto discuss the running and riding enquiries that were another feature of the weekend's racing, concerning Iroko, Delta Work and Owl of Athens. They unravel all the key performances from Trials' Day, with Fergal O'Brien joining the show regarding Sixmilebridge and Crambo, plus news on Dysart Enos. Meanwhile, Willie Carson shares his joy at having bred Ameerat Alzaman, the impressive winner of the Saudi 1,000 Guineas.

Power has been restored to a further 6,000 premises across the Banner County, as just over 16,000 households and businesses brace for a fourth day without power. Supply was restored to properties in the Kilkee, Whitegate, Feakle, Tulla and Kilnamona areas yesterday evening, taking the total number of restorations seen in Clare to over 28,000 ESB crews have been working to restore power to homes and businesses in Sixmilebridge, Moveen, Lahinch, Quilty, Broadford, and Carigaholt across last night and this morning. The ESB has described Storm Éowyn as "by far the worst storm" it's ever experienced in terms of customers losing supply and the scale of damage to the network. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by ESB Technical Manager, Michael Sammin. Despite recent power outages across the county, communities have come together, showcasing remarkable support and resilience. For more on this, Alan was joined by the Manager at Armada Hotel, Bernard Cahill and Principal of St Joseph's Secondary School in Tulla, Juliet Coman. Photo (c): ESB Powerchecker

Power has been restored to a further 6,000 premises across the Banner county, as just over 16,000 households and businesses brace for a fourth day without power. Supply was restored to properties in the Kilkee, Whitegate, Feakle, Tulla and Kilnamona areas yesterday evening, taking the total number of restorations seen in Clare to over 28,000. ESB crews have been working, meanwhile, to restore power to homes and businesses in Sixmilebridge, Moveen, Lahinch, Quilty, Broadford and Carigaholt across last night and this morning. The ESB has described Storm Éowyn as "by far the worst storm" it's ever experienced in terms of customers losing supply and the scale of damage to the network. ESB Technical Manager, Michael Sammin, says crews are still experiencing new faults and damages in Clare and there's still 'a week's work' in fully restoring power countywide.

A Clare author has claimed a prestigious literature award. Tracy Fahey has won the 2024 Paul Cave Prize for Literature. The Sixmilebridge writer won the prize for her novella of ancient mythological women and contemporary ecological crises, What Happens At The End. To learn more, on Thursday's Morning Focus, Tracy Fahey joined Peter O'Connell in-studio. Photo (c): Clare FM

During Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey chatted with former Independent councillor, PJ Ryan about the people in both Cratloe and Sixmilebridge who were without electricity due to the extremely cold weather. Quite a few of the affected people are elderly, as PJ mentioned, and the circumstances left them feeling particularly vulnerable. It is timely, therefore, to highlight some advice for the most vulnerable people in Clare, in light of the current cold snap. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Home Instead Clare general manager Brian O'Sullivan. Photo (c): Huettenhoelscher from Getty Images via Canva

It's claimed a national housing strategy is needed to boost supply in Clare's industrial town. In the last year, some employers have taken the step to provide their own accommodation given scaricities in the area, such as Atlantic Aviation Group acquiring the former Jamaca Inn in Sixmilebridge. On the rental front, Shannon has surpassed Ennis as the most expensive place to rent in this county, with the average montly price facing a new tenancy now above €1,400. Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes says a minimum of 50,000 new homes every year is needed.

A Clare haulier insists his industry requires urgent State support to stave off the existential threat posed by the closure of the Port of Holyhead. Senior figures in the haulage industry have met with the Junior Transport Minister this morning to discuss the ongoing impact of the port being out of operation due to damage caused by Storm Darragh. The Irish Exports Association is calling for a financial aid package for hauliers to prevent an inflationary effect on the cost of Irish exports. Sixmilebridge native and Shannon Chamber President Eoin Gavin of Eoin Gavin Transport has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons Irish goods will be less competitive in the UK market unless the Government steps in.

A former Sixmilebridge Councillor is warning of fraudsters using his name in an attempt to sell bogus goods. PJ Ryan has been operating a tractor and grass care business for over 50 years and it's understood a group travelling around South East-Clare in Northern Reg Mercedes Vans are falsely claiming to be selling his surplus machinery. One customer is already understood to have spent €1,200 on the goods and Gardaí are investigating the matter. PJ says the quality of the goods is particularly poor.

Christmas is said to have come early for families across East Clare today following the unveiling of two multi-million euro housing developments. The keys of 33 new social homes have officially been handed over to their occupants today, marking the completion of an €11.2m direct build scheme by the local authority. The properties are a mix of one-bed, two-bed and three-bed units, all with A energy efficiency ratings, 18 of the houses will become the Droichead Nua Estate in Scariff, with the remaining 15 making up the site of Baile Uí Loideán in Sixmilebridge. Mayor of Clare, Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O'Callaghan, says it's a vital step forward for the region.

The manager of the TUS Clare senior hurling champions claims the weight of expectation on his team meant they were never going to come away with anything other than a victory. Canon Hamilton returned to Feakle after a 36 year hiatus, following their 1-17 to 0-13 win over Sixmilebridge in Sunday's decider. Despite a first half penalty save at the hands of Bridge goalkeeper Derek Fahy, along with numerous other spurned goal chances, Owen McGann finally raised a green flag to provide the safety blanket for the east Clare men. Feakle manager Ger Conway says his side weren't going to be denied from fulfilling their lifelong dreams.

Feakle are 2024 TUS Clare senior hurling champions after a 1-17 to 0-13 win over Sixmilebridge. The east Clare side have ended a 36 year long famine without Canon Hamilton, with their previous success coming in 1988.  Inspired by an Owen McGann goal when sprung from the bench to put Feakle nine points to the good, Ger Conway's side never looked back going on to record a seven point win. Clare FM analyst Andrew Fahy says all of Feakle's main men stood up and were counted when it mattered.

The 2024 TUS Clare senior hurling championship top scorer hailed the impact Feakle got from their bench players as they ended their 36 year wait for Canon Hamilton. The east Clare side's substitutes outscored those of Sixmilebridge by two points, with Owen McGann netting a crucial goal after being introduced. Midfielder Shane McGrath ended the season with a personal tally of 2-63, clear of Sixmilbridge's Alex Morey who notched 2-50. He says every panel member played their part in ensuring that Feakle's long gap between drinks was ended.

On this podcast: Former Clare star Andrew Fahy joins Clare FM's Derrick Lynch to look ahead to Monday's rescheduled TUS Clare SHC final between Feakle and Sixmilebridge

Ahead of their meeting in the TUS Clare SHC final, Clare FM's Derek Dormer spoke with representatives from Feakle and Sixmilebridge as they prepare for Sunday's showdown in Cusack Park

Excitement levels in Feakle and Sixmilebridge are ratcheting up, ahead of Sunday's TUS Clare senior hurling final. Sixmilebridge are hoping to lift the Canon Hamilton Cup for a 16th time, in what is their first final appearance since 2020. However, Feakle's absence from the county's hurling showpiece stretches back much farther; the last of their six county titles came in their last final appearance all the way back in 1988, with a 44-year gap being bridged on that day. Sunday's decider in Cusack Park throws in at 3pm – a game you can, of course, hear live on Clare FM. To preview the 2024 TUS Clare senior hurling final, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM's GAA Commentator, Syl O'Connor, Manager of Sixmilebridge, John O'Meara, Clare FM's Hurling Analyst, Tommy Guilfoyle and Feakle Club Secretary, Val Donnellan. Photo (c): Clare FM

A Clare senator believes criminals in this county are becoming emboldened as they see instances of anti-social behaviour go unpunished. It follows an incident in Sixmilebridge in which two sheds outside a house were destroyed after a firework was allegedly thrown through a gate at the rear of the property. The incident is said to be the latest in a spate of anti-social behaviour in the area. Tulla Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley says if the Gardaí are seen to be unable to apprehend perpetrators, they will grow in confidence and continue to commit crimes.

Last week, we heard increasing calls on Clare FM for more of a Garda presence in Shannon, amid a rise in incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area. It comes amid local complaints of fireworks being let off on an almost nightly basis near the Brú na Sionna housing estate. Carmel McElligott's home in Sixmilebridge was attacked by people setting off fireworks recently. The intentional attack on Carmel's home was so bad, it resulted in the destruction of two sheds. To find out more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Carmel McElligott. Photo (c): Clare FM

It's claimed streams of adults and children in Clare have been left waiting in pain due to serious failings with the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. In 2021, Clare County Council passed a motion with the aim of "preventing the collapse" of the service when 17 dentists were operating under the programme. Since then participation has plummeted, however, and now just six dentists located in Ennis, Sixmilebridge, Scariff and Killaloe are providing services to medical card holders in Clare. Shannon Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan says the Government's inaction has caused "disgraceful waiting lists". President of the Irish Dental Association HSE group, Dr. Maura Cuffe claims public dentists in this county are facing significant barriers.

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.

Clare FM Commentary - TUS Clare SHC Semi Final - Extra Time And Penalties - Sixmilebridge V Inagh Kilnamona

As we heard across Clare FM's news bulletins on Tuesday, the process of exhuming the body of Patrick Nugent started yesterday in Feenagh graveyard in Sixmilebridge. Patrick died in February of 1984 from injuries sustained after a function in Bunratty Castle where he worked as banqueting manager. Addressing the media at a press conference yesterday, Inspector David Finnerty of Shannon Garda Station said that even a seemingly insignificant piece of information could be invaluable to the cold case investigation. To discuss this further, Peter O'Connell was joined by the Nugent family solicitor, Kevin Winters of KRW LAW in Belfast. Photo (c): Nugent family

One person has been hospitalised following what's been described as a horrific dog attack in South East Clare. Two people were out jogging on land near Sixmilebridge yesterday evening, when they were set upon by two Sheep Dogs. Emergency services were alerted and Gardaí, as well as Clare's County Dog Warden were dispatched to the scene. The dogs were brought under control a short time later and have been surrendered to the Dog Warden, with a view to being destroyed. It's understood a woman in her twenties has been taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment for what's been described as serious injuries. Clare's County Dog Warden, Frankie Coote says the person's injuries are the worst he's ever seen from this particular breed of dog.

A fresh investigation has been launched into the death of a Clare man who passed away 40 years ago as a result of injuries sustained during an incident in Bunratty. Gardaí have confirmed that the exhumation of the remains of Patrick Nugent commenced this morning, as part of a new investigation into the circumstances of his death. On the evening of February 10th 1984, 23-year-old Patrick Nugent was working as the Banquet Manager for a 40th wedding anniversary celebration, at which roughly 60 people were in attendance in Bunratty Folk Park. In the early hours of the following morning, at approximately 4am, when Gardaí say around a dozen people remained at the event, an incident occurred in the carpark, during which Patrick sustained serious injuries. After receiving First Aid CPR at the scene, he was transferred by ambulance to Barrington's Hospital in Limerick where he passed away as a result of injuries sustained during the incident. Following a Garda investigation, a man was charged in connection with Patrick's death, but was later acquitted and cleared of all charges. To date, no other person has been charged in relation to his death. The Jury at a Coroner's Inquest, which took place in October 1985, returned a verdict of accidental death, but attached a rider stating they were "far from satisfied as to the circumstances under which Patrick Nugent sustained the injuries which caused his death", and called on the then Minister for Justice to have the matter further investigated. In 2014, 30 years on from Patrick's passing, the Government established an Independent Review Mechanism, which recommended the establishment of a special inquiry into his death. Three years later in 2017, Judge Patrick Clyne was appointed to carry out the inquiry. His report was presented to the Justice Minister in 2020 and was shown to the Nugent family under confidentiality, but has yet to be made public. In 2022, after receiving the report, the Garda Commissioner directed a fresh investigation into the circumstances of Patrick Nugent's death and in January of this year, Patrick's family issued a renewed appeal for information. Today, An Garda Síochána have confirmed that a new investigation into the circumstances of his death has been launched. As part of this, Gardaí have commenced the exhumation of Patrick's remains in Feenagh Graveyard in Sixmilebridge to allow for a new State Post Mortem examination to take place. Anyone with information in relation to the death of Patrick Nugent is asked to contact the Incident Room at Shannon Garda Station on 061 365 900, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any member of an Garda Síochána at any Garda station.

Iarnród Eireann has unveiled its proposals to increase frequency and introduce an hourly service on the Ennis to Limerick rail line. At a special presentation before Ennis Chamber today, the company also provided significant updates on the Shannon Airport Rail Spur, the Ballycar Flood Defence Scheme and the reopening of the Crusheen Rail Stop. Iarnród Eireann used the meeting to deliver their plan for implementing the recommendations of the strategic All-Island Rail Review over the next 26 years. Among the aims of the programme is a rail link to Shannon Airport and reducing all intercity journey times to below 2 hours. Iarnród Eireann is hoping to connect Clare's International Airport to the rail network via a spur at either Cratloe or Sixmilebridge. Within the next 3 years, the company is aiming to gain stage 1 project approval, concecpt feasibility, costing and a preliminary design. Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O'Brien insists timely delivery of the project will be crucial to the region's economic and tourism growth and says it's vital all stakeholders row in behind the plans. The Clare based CEO of Iarnród Eireann has set a goal of creating an inflection point in Irish society, where public transport overtakes the car as the first port of call for getting from A to B. Locally, the company is planning to provide an hourly service from Ennis to Limerick and reducing the travel time on the route to twenty minutes. This will be done by doubling the existing track infrastructure at Limerick Junction and introducing a looped track at Sixmilebridge, which will enable two trains to travel on the line simultaneously. The company is expecting the cost of the flooding solution at Ballycar, near Newmarket-On-Fergus to exceed €16m and is completing a new costing while it awaits funding approval from the National Transport Authority. If approved, Iarnród Eireann boss, Jim Meade believes the legacy flooding issues on the Ennis-Limerick line can be eliminated in the next two to three years. The Cooraclare native, who joined the company as an apprentice back in 1979, says providing top quality infrastructure in the MidWest is of paramount importance. Next year, Iarnród Eireann will aim to introduce the world's first ever Hydrogen powered locomotive and will begin the process of electrifying the rail network as part of a decarbonisation plan. The public transport provider is open to extending the rail network too and has confirmed its intention to progress with the reopening of the Crusheen Rail Stop, subject to funding approval by the NTA and Department of Transport. During the briefing, Green Party Deputy Leader Roisín Garvey confirmed Transport Minister Eamon Ryan would meet with a delegation from Crusheen to discuss the proposal, which is estimated to cost €4.5m. Nollaig Barry from the Inchicronan Development Group believes the reopening of Crusheen is a no-brainer.

A petition has been launched by parents, in a bid to get the Houses of the Oireachtas to overrule the Education Minister on the pilot school bus scheme that is now underway in South-East Clare. Parents in Sixmilebridge, Cratloe and Newmarket-on-Fergus have been expressing concerns around health and safety, traffic congestion and value for money, ever since the announcement by Bus Éireann of the new service, which sees 440 students travelling to Shannon by way of its 343 public bus service. To find out more about this petition, Alan Morrissey spoke with a Newmarket on Fergus Parent Representative, Aisling Halpin, and with a Sixmilebridge Parent Representative, Aoife Keogh.

It's claimed the new South East Clare school bus service has already proven far inferior to its previous model. It follows concerns raised by constituents over traffic congestion and public safety after the first day of Bus Eireann's new routes from Cratloe, Newmarket-On-Fergus and Sixmilebridge to Shannon taking to the roads. It's understood buses coming to collect students in the evening did not have enough to space to access the designated pull in bay; temporarily blocking local residents in their homes. So far, just first year students have returned to school and Clare Oireachtas Transport Committee Member Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley fears there will bedlam in the coming weeks unless the service is scrapped.

It's hoped a new funding boost will alleviate major pedestrian safety and traffic congestion issues in Clare's fastest growing town. It's after the Sixmilebridge Town Team was granted €50,000 to design a footbridge over the O'Garney River. In 2022, a masterplan was developed for the South-East Clare community under the town centre first initiative, which outlined 25 key priorities to make the area a better place to work and live. Sixmilebridge Town Team Spokesperson Mark Noonan says the footbridge will breathe new life into the area and bring legacy issues to an end.

Plans by Lidl to build a new store in Sixmilebridge are facing opposition from concerned locals. The German retail giant has applied to construct a new outlet in the town. However, fears are being expressed for local retailers. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fr Harry Bohan, Long-Serving Priest in Sixmilebridge, Former Clare Hurling Manager and Community Activist. Photo (c): Lidl via Twitter

Aoife Keogh, parents' representative in Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, outlines the background to this morning's protest in the village against the loss of a dedicated secondary school bus service.

Last week, we brought you the news that parents were concerned and frustrated over plans to pilot a new school bus scheme in South-East Clare. Parents were reacting, after it emerged over 550 students from Cratloe, Newmarket-On-Fergus and Sixmilebridge will be integrated on an enhanced version of the public Ennis to Shannon 343 route. Their concerns over the planned changes include issues such as health and safety, lack of bus shelters, capacity, and value for money. This story continues to develop and Sixmilebridge was the scene for a protest this morning, in opposition to the new school transport pilot scheme. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Aoife Keogh and Edel Rafferty, parent representatives from Sixmilebridge.

Bus Éireann says it's "very confident" a new revamp of its most popular Clare service will eradicate issues of the past. The 343 bus route is to be come a 24-hour service between Shannon Airport and Limerick - with buses going every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off peak hours on weekdays. The changes will also see the creation of three new routes - the 330 which will go from Shannon Airport to Ennis, the 316 which serve Sixmilebridge and Shannon, and the 317 which will run from Limerick to Ennis via Sixmilebridge and Quin. Bus Éireann CEO Stephen Kent admits the service has tried to do too much in the past but believes the revamp will deliver the "certainty that the people of Clare deserve".

Bus Eireann is being urged to go back to the drawing board and reinstate a dedicated school bus service in South-East Clare. Under a new pilot scheme commencing next week, over 550 students from Cratloe, Newmarket-On-Fergus and Sixmilebridge will be integrated on an enhanced version of the public Ennis to Shannon 343 route. Parents groups have already raised concerns about extensive traffic congestion and health and safety risks about proposed stops along the route, including the final drop-off point near the main road at St.Johnn and Paul's Church in Shannon. Shannon Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan fears the plans will cause chaos for local families.

Morning Focus was broadcasting live from the community centre in Clonlara. Firstly, we revisited an issue we discussed earlier on in this week regarding the pilot school bus scheme for South-East Clare students. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan spoke with Sixmilebridge parent, Aoife Koegh. After that, Alan was joined by Senior Executive Engineer for Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett to find out more about Clonlara and the work he does. Following that, we highlighted McKernan Woollen Mills and Craggaunowen as part of our Best Daycation Ever segment. Next, Alan was joined by Councillor Michael Begley, to discuss his re-election and the community in Clonlara. Alan was then joined by Peggy Ryan from Clonlara Development Group to tell us about the the group and the Clonlara Community Heritage website. After that, Alan was joined by Izabela Knotowska to discuss the fundraising she has done for her cousin Sara Fodrowska who is battling cancer. Alan then spoke with the Clare Ladies Soccer League Officer, Paul Fitzgerald about the Clare Ladies Soccer League who are seeking expressions of interest from clubs. Later, Alan welcomed the Owner & Manager of Clonlara Equestrian Centre, Davnet Kiernan O'Brien, to discuss the equestrian centre. Alan was then joined by local Clonlara sculptor and artist Enda Griffin, to tell us about his work. We then heard from Pharmacist at Ballycasey Pharmacy, Anke Knight, who told us about the proposal to make prescriptions for common conditions available at pharmacies without a GP visit. To close the show, Alan was joined by Clonlara musician Arren for a chat and live performance.

Parents in South East Clare are still experiencing uncertainty and frustration regarding plans to overhaul School Bus transport in the region. Following the meeting this week, Bus Eireann confirmed it could not guarantee a seat for students on the new service and that there's no plan B in place if the service fails, but that tweaks will be made along the way as appropriate. For more on this, Clare FM'S Daragh Dolan spoke with Sixmilebridge parent, Aoife Keogh.

"Huge concerns" around the safety of a new school bus service being trialled in Clare have been highlighted by parents. With just two weeks to go until secondary schools reopen their doors, Bus Éireann has announced that students in the south-east of the county availing of its services to travel to Shannon will do so by way of the 343 public bus service. On August 6th, parents in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Sixmilebridge and Cratloe whose children are registered for Bus Éireann's school bus service for the coming academic year received an email informing them of the details of the service. Following on from a Department of Education review of the School Transport Scheme, a new pilot scheme is being trialled in south-east Clare whereby students will travel on the existing 343 bus service which ordinarily goes from Limerick to Ennis via Shannon. Bus Éireann has told parents their students will be issued with Leap Cards which they can use to avail of other public transport services in their area. It's understood the designated pick-up area for the between 270 and 280 students who'll be using the service in Sixmilebridge will be McGregor's Pub which doesn't currently have a bus stop or shelter. Among the concerns raised by parents are health and safety, traffic congestion arising from increased bus activity and value for money. Newmarket-on-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor David Griffin claims many parents are worried about the prospect of their children going to school on a service used by the general public.