On Wednesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with local service providers and politicians about a possible fuel rebate for coach operators
PJ Keogh of PK Travel in Shannon is a member of the delegation representing the CTTC –Coach Tourism and Transport Council – who have made a submission to the Finance Minister for a fuel rebate for coach operators similar to one granted to hauliers
PJ said a fuel rebate makes economic sense and may save a lot of businesses as the coach business is in crisis
Deputy Joe Carey of Fine Gael met with Minister Noonan last week to discuss this – he said he is hopeful that this type of fuel rebate will be included in the finance bill to be announced later
Deputy Carey also discussed the debt deal secured last week along with Brian Meaney, Ennis Councillor and Green Party member who joined John in studio
He welcomed the deal saying he thinks it’s good news but a debt write off is still a long way off- if even a possibility.
St. Senan’s Parish in Shannon has become the first parish in the Diocese of Killaloe to operate a live webcam from one of its Churches
The live feed from SS John and Paul Church is being officially launched today at the beginning of the season of Lent – Fr Tom Ryan, Shannon Parish Priest had a word with John
Michael Hinton of Ballycaseymorehill in Shannon also spoke about the great impact this has had on his life – he is a daily viewer of the webcam since the trial usage began in January.
Fianna fail have selected former Kilrush town councillor Christy O’Malley to take the seat of the late Stephen O Gorman on the local authority
Mr. O Gorman died after an illness in December and the Kilrush Cumann of the party met on Sunday evening to select a replacement
O’Malley previously served as a councillor from 1994 to 2009 when he lost his seat at the local election and he officially took his place in the chamber last night – John spoke with Christy O’Malley about stepping back into the fray.
Good news for Broadford – An Post are putting the post office out to tender in the next few days
The Broadford Action Committee led a campaign to retain their post office that was hugely supported by the East Clare community
Chairperson PJ Mason welcomed the news saying they made a very strong submission to An Post that they had well researched.
Hundreds of Clare primary school students will receive fire safety awareness lessons during the coming months under a programme being administered locally by Clare County Fire and Rescue Service.
The information sessions form part of a nationwide programme entitled ‘Safety Team’, which is designed to teach third class children to educate their families about Fire Safety and about protecting homes and communities from fire.
The programme was launched at Cranny National School and will be rolled out to Clare’s remaining 118 primary schools during 2013 -Colum Frawley, Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Clare County Fire & Rescue Service, explained.
The Irish public aren’t as generous as previously thought, when it comes to contributing to charity
A report on philanthropy shows we lag behind both the UK and US when it comes to making donations to non-profit groups like aid agencies, sports groups and the arts
Meanwhile, Corporate Ireland gives 12 times less to non-profit groups than companies in the UK
The figures are being highlighted by the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising which is starting a campaign to boost donations by Irish companies and individuals
The Forum says better tax breaks for donations and the creation of more charitable foundations could help boost philanthropy here
John spoke with Seamus Mulconry, Executive Director of Philanthropy Ireland, who is originally from Kilkee, about the findings.
Paul Wolfe of Clare Citizens’ Information Service joined John in studio to answer listeners’ social welfare entitlement, employment and consumer law queries.
If you have a story for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
