Siobhan O’Donoghue from Kilmurry McMahon spoke to Clare FM’s John Cooke about yesterday’s protest at Government Buildings in Dublin. Siobhan is Spokesperson for the Tax Wealth Campaign with Claiming Our Future. The Tax Wealth Campaign of Claiming Our Future staged a protest yesterday outside Dáil Éireann. Protestors dressed in Irish national team rugby and football jerseys with a giant banner asking the Government to “Answer Ireland’s Call: Tax Wealth Now!” Claiming Our Future (COF) has launched a nationwide campaign calling on the government to enact alternative tax measures on wealthy and high income groups and to end its attack on those on lower and middle incomes. COF believes the current austerity approach is deflating the economy leading to more job losses and putting the burden disproportionately onto those who can least afford it. Siobhan is also Director of the Migrants Rights Centre.
Marian Harkin, MEP, discussed how households served by private wells will not have any charges levied under the EU Water Framework Directive, contrary to a recent media report. She also responded to the criticism by Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway in the Seanad debate on proposed septic tank legislation. In a statement she said: “In criticising me in the Seanad for organising meetings on the important issue of septic tanks, including in Ennis, Senator Conway reveals his annoyance that my efforts have helped to achieve significant reductions in the planned charges for registering septic tanks, for inspections arising from appeals and for the 5 year re-registration of sewerage systems for one-off houses.
Maria Hartmann of Hartmann’s Jewellers, Kilrush and a member of Moore Street Traders discussed the hopes of traders in the West Clare town with Morning Focus as long awaited road works on Moore Street continue. Local residents and businesses are looking forward to major improvements and a revitalised street this Christmas. The Moore St Promotion 2011 is gathering pace, including a look at Moore Street past and present through photographs from its earliest times – displayed in windows along the street, the preparation of a 2011 time capsule and culminating in a Christmas Street Party on December 17th. Locals say the event is about family fun, remembering the past, and looking to a brighter future for Moore Street and Kilrush Town Centre, while also boosting local business in tough times.
Also on today’s show;
In support of Clare FM’s 50 Cent Appeal, Sinead Corbett, a Staff Nurse at Cahercalla Hospice spoke to Máire Moynahan about her day to day work and the need for the local community to support the service. Cahercalla Hospice is one of the four local charities set to benefit from Clare FM’s 50 Cent Appeal.
Conor Ryan, Investigative Journalist with the Irish Examiner is the author of a new book, Stallions and Power. The Shannon native has catalogued the passion, intrigue and money at the Irish National Stud which have been hallmarks of Ireland’s National Stud since its establishment in 1900.
Joining Morning Focus live in studio today were Ciara O’Grady, Muireann O’Shea, Alana Vern, Catlin Fitzgerald and Aideen Kelly. All are Transition Year and Fourth Year students from Colaiste Mhuire in Ennis and play the main roles in the schools musical "Beauty and the Beast”.
The musical is running from today until Saturday 3rd December for the public with three matinees Monday toWednesday for Colaiste Mhuire students and local primary schools.
Paul Wolfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service joined John Cooke in studio to answer your questions
If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus you can email the show at focus@clare.fm or text Clare FM followed by your comment and name to 53030
