On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Michael Healy Rae TD, South Kerry Independent about security in rural areas
Deputy Healy Rae says rural dwellers are living in fear for their personal safety and that of their property
He says debate is needed on whether people should be allowed to buy guns to protect themselves and their property.
One in four pharmacies around the country is operating at a loss – according to a new survey
The Irish Pharmacy Union held its AGM in Kildare over the weekend – and discussed the financial pressures facing Chemists
The survey also found that 17,766 people are employed in the sector
The IPU says the Government has taken over 570 million euros in fees from the sector – an average of 340 thousand euro per pharmacy
Pharmacists say the sector is stretched to breaking point – John spoke with IPU Executive member and Limerick pharmacist John Gleeson.
Andrew Dundass, IFA Chairperson in Clare and Ardnacrusha farmer, had a word with John about how the fodder crisis relief went over the weekend
Shannon Airport joined in the effort to address the fodder crisis hitting Clare farmers
Around half of the land bank surrounding Clare’s International Airport was made available to the IFA so it can be bailed as emergency feed for farmers across the county who are in urgent need of fodder for their animals
Cutting got underway Friday afternoon
Management at Shannon Airport has also provided a donation towards the cost of baling
Andrew said they offloaded 12,000 bales – cut in excess of 250 acres, all delivered to a huge demand.
Sergeant Joe Downey – Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division – joined John in studio to appeal for the public’s assistance with information on crimes committed in the past week
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
Portuguese holiday resorts are getting ready to welcome more people from Clare to the sun kissed beaches of the Algarve this summer with the start of new flights from Shannon to Faro
Aer Lingus will commence it’s three times weekly Shannon to Faro flights from May 1st, in a move that’s expected to see the number of Irish people visiting Portugal this year break the 300,000 mark
Speaking to travel industry representatives in Limerick this week, the Portuguese Trade and Tourism Board welcomed the new Shannon flights given that Ireland is seen as the seventh most important international market for the Algarve region
John spoke to Director Joe Ramos about recent trends for Irish Holidaymakers heading to Portugal
Jose Ramos, Director of the Portuguese Trade & Tourism Board in Ireland, had a word with John.
22 Clare food producers and restaurants have banded together to form the Midwest’s first designated food trail
The Burren Food trail will see a weekly event held from now until the end of October, hosted by each of the groups, encouraging people to celebrate and sample local produce
While the Burren is home to some of Ireland’s best known food exporters, it’s hoped this initiative will allow them a platform to showcase their wares to a domestic audience
Birgitta Curtin of the Burren Smokehouse spoke about the Burren Food Trail and the upcoming Slow Food Festival
John Murphy of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer your bird and wildlife queries
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
