The 34th annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors got underway in Co. Wexford yesterday and continues today
Padraic says his members are under intolerable pressures because of budget cutbacks
It comes after the government announced a number of station closures in the December’s budget and since the departure of hundreds of officers in February under the public sector retirement scheme
Up to 30 motions will be debated during the 3-day event including calls for an increase in the number of armed Gardaí
Among Gardaí are calling on the Justice Minister to bring in tighter security measures for convicted sex offenders and concern about the shortfall in numbers and the reduction in the number of members
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with the President of the Association Garda Sergeants and Inspectors Padraic Dolan.
The historic Loop Head Lighthouse in West Clare will reopen to the public during the June Bank Holiday Weekend for a 12-week period, it has been announced
Clare County Council, along with Shannon Development, Loop Head Tourism and the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), said the extended opening follows a successful trial scheme in 2011 that resulted in an estimated 17,000 people visiting the landmark building
Has said she welcomed any efforts made to help County Clare maintain and grow a competitive advantage in tourism terms
Barbara Faulkner, Chairperson of the Clare Tourism Forum and Cillian Murphy, Chairperson of Loophead Tourism welcomed the announcement
As did Paddy Mathews from Failte Ireland, Project manager for the Wild Atlantic Way
Failte Ireland who also mentioned Clare Local Development company’s free Tourism and Activity Showcase and Seminar at Doonbeg Hall tomorrow 10 am – 1pm
Keynote address from Ethna Murphy, Destination Manager, Failte Ireland
Helen Connelly MD of Celtic Roots & Founding member of Ballynahowan Craft Village, Co Offally will give insight into setting up a “destination” village
Padraig Giblin and Eileen Mulcahy will tell their story of adapting their business in challenging times
Dr Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Watch appealed to the public for information on the whereabouts of a whale washed up in Liscannnor last week
They believe the missing whale is a Narhwal whale – a species of whale that has never before been recorded in IrelandThey could smell the whale on in the area where it was sighted and collected some flesh from the rocks. they will have this DNA tested in the netherlands to ascertain whether it is this rare species or not
He wishes to appeal to the public for information on the whereabouts of the whale.
Have your say on the new clare.modus.ie poll:
Are you fearful poor compliance with the household tax will result in a cut in local authority services?
• Yes – 30%
• No – 59%
• Don’t know – 11%
Mairead Doyle of Michael Houlihan and Co. Solicitors in Ennis and Volunteer Solicitor with the Free Legal Advice Clinic at Clare Citizens Information Centre spoke about the statistics regarding families in Census 2011.
The Ennis Tidy Towns committee have lots of new projects planned over the coming months – they are determined to do something positive, with immediate effect, that will benefit everyone living in Ennis
They maintain positive press on the appearance of the town attracts visitors which in turn translates into more income for the local economy and ultimately maintains employment
Each week an area will be chosen for an evening community clean up challenge
Local residents / community groups are urged to come along and help clean up and give their area a general tidy
Bags and gloves will be provided- there is one this evening for the Lahinch Road area
They are meeting at Claureen at 7pm
Aine Purcell, the new Chairperson of the Ennis Tidy Towns Committee, joined John in studio.
The Ennis CDP are hosting an open evening for people who may have an interest in becoming a volunteer to come and see and hear what they do in their work for travellers, Non Irish Nationals, BTEI and other programmes
This is taking place this evening start at 5.30pm and runs till 7.20pm
Sharon Meaney of the Clare Volunteer Centre will be the quest speaker
Dermot Hayes, Chairperson of Ennis CDP, joined John in studio to urge people to attend.
Frankie Coote- Clare ISPCA Warden- joined John for his weekly slot where he advises animal owners on the proper care of their animals and their legal obligations
Last week the fine weather brought many people to the coast
Unfortunately many dog owners failed to clean up their dog litter – particularly in Lahinch
The Clare ISPCA are having the official launch of their fundraising calendar this Saturday
Contact Frankie on 087 6225253.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
