Clare Fracking Concern is a group, which has 90 members so far, and was set up for the following reasons:
• To look and deal with the concerns that people in Clare have over the potential risks of Fracking ( hydraulic fracturing)
• To become fully informed and up to date, to the best of our ability, on this method of extracting gas from shale rock and the government’s process of dealing with exploration licenses
• To engage and empower local communities to take control of what happens in their area with regards to the possibility of Fracking
They have organised a number of events in the coming weeks to highlight this issue and to make farmers and residents aware of what exactly Fracking is and why they should be concerned about it
They are set to address next Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council where there will be a vote on Cllr Gabriel Keating’s proposal to oppose this practice.
Susan Griffin, Mid Clare Spokesperson for the group spoke with John Cooke on Tuesday’s Morning Focus
Contact clarefrack@gmail.com or 087 791 7589. www.what-the-frack.org
Overseas visitors to Ireland increased by 7% in 2011 – the first increase in four years, while domestic demand volumes held up well despite a downturn in consumer confidence
Arrivals from mainland Europe are expected to be up by 10%, with arrivals from North America showing an 8% increase and arrivals from Britain up by 5%
John Healy, Chairman of the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation discussed these stats and made projections to the year ahead.
The Inaugural Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championship is taking place this Saturday
The event, which is based on age-old lumberjack traditions and commonplace across Germany and Austria, will see members of the public competing to determine the Irish distance record for throwing a standard 1.5 metre tree
The Current World Record is held by Klaus Pubnaz who hurled a tree a distance of 12m at an event in Germany in December 2010
John Cooke was joined by Brian Meaney, Green Party Councillor and Frankie Coote, Clare ISPCA Warden to encourage people to come along and support the event
All proceeds raised on 7 January in Ennis will go toward the development of a new Clare County Dog Shelter.
Have your say on Clare FM’s online poll:
What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2012:
• Diet and exercise – 54%
• Give up smoking – 3%
• New hobbies – 9%
• Better budgeting/ Saving money – 34%
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division, joined John to appeal for information on crimes committed over the Christmas period and share advice with listeners
Contact Ennis Gardai on 065 6848100.
The Money Doctor John Lowe shared some budgeting tips in the wake of Christmas and for the New Year
As always the Money Doctor answered listeners personal finance questions
www.themoneydoctor.ie
GIY Clare champion Carmen Cronin joined John in studio with tips on preparing for the gardening season now (including info on where to get seed, what to do in the tunnel now, what to do outdoors now, etc.)
GIY meetings in Clare coming up in January
www.giyireland.com
John Murphy, Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland Chairman joined John in studio to answer listeners’ wildlife and bird queries.
If you have a story for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
