In the last local elections, Clare had six electoral areas but this will now fall to four for next year’s vote
The total membership of Clare County Council falls from 32 to 28, while nationally the number of Councillors will drop from over 1,600 to 949
Much of this is achieved by the now confirmed abolition of Town Councils, including those in Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush and Kilkee
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined in studio by Councillors Patricia McCarthy, Shannon Independent; PJ Kelly, Fianna Fail Lissycasey; Joe Arkins, Fine Gael representative in Ruan and Michael Begley, Independent in Killaloe to dicuss the changes.
Ennis homeless activist and member of the HELP group Anthony McDonagh had a word with John ahead of a Sleep out for the Homeless taking place tonight at Supermacs Lane in Ennis tonight in Memory of Josef Pavelka – they are encouraging people to support them
Garda Emer McDonagh of Ennis Garda Station joined John with some Bank Holiday road figures for Clare
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
In our Free Legal Advice slot John was joined by Sharon Cahir of Cahir and Co. Solicitors – volunteer solicitor at the clinic run by Clare Citizens’ Information Service
She spoke about issues arising with social media in the event of a users death, and issues arising in workplaces because of workplace policies.
There’s joy and relief in Broadford after it was confirmed the post office in the East Clare village is to re-open
The office closed suddenly last November, leading to a sustained campaign by the local community to get the service restored
A local action group was established and after several meetings with An Post it will now re-open after the Bank Holiday Weekend
John had a word with PJ Mason, Chairperson of Broadford Action Group, and the new Postmaster of Broadford Post Office James O’Brien.
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John with some advice on animal care and legal obligations for pet owners
Contact Clare ISPCA Shelter on 065 6820393
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm