This Sunday marks Ireland’s official exit from the Bailout programme – an historic day that will see the Taoiseach Enda Kenny make a live national address on television
On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte TD about what this means for the people of Ireland
They also discussed the sale of Bord Gais in the new year.
As the Industrial Development Agency or IDA has assumed the former role of Shannon Development in marketing the Mid-West to foreign investors, it’s CEO has been meeting with businesses in Clare this week
Barry O’Leary addressed over 300 business representatives at a Shannon Chamber of Commerce event in Dromoland Castle yesterday, outlining how increased connectivity at the airport, the expansion of third level facilities in Limerick and the previous track record of companies like Intel, Mincon and Molex will be their main selling points to attract new companies to this region
He also met with companies in the Shannon Free Zone and John Cooke was there to ask the IDA Chief for his impressions of business in this region.
Clare County Council confirmed that it will commence interim remedial works at the Tradaree Point wastewater treatment plant in Shannon this weekend
The desludging of the plant is aimed at reducing sewage-related odours emanating from the facility. The works will continue next week and into the early weeks of 2014
Sean Ward, Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, explained.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre
Today Dr Finn discussed fatigue and answered listeners’ queries
Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Friday for more medical advice
You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email focus@clare.fm, but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
The Islands of the Fergus Estuary is a new book being launched in Kildysart today
The book looks at the Fergus islands of Co Clare lying on the estuary stretching from Clarecastle to Shannon and Kildysart. It examines the larger islands – their history, archaeology and folklore as well as the people who lived there
Co authors Dolores Meaney and Jackie Elger joined John in studio to discuss the islands and what’s covered in their book
We also heard an audio clip of Pádraig O’Cahillane, Teacher on Low Island in 1944, talking about food on the Island
Milford Care Centre are inviting family and friends to join them for their annual Light up a Memory ceremony which takes place on Sunday 6pm
They are inviting you, your family and friends out for this special occasion
The ceremony will incorporate carol-singing prior to the illumination of the tree, followed by refreshments as Cathy Sheehan explained
Contact Milford Care Centre on 061 485 859 or 061 485 860 for more information.
The festive atmosphere is strong in Ennistymon – this weekend the community are having their Christmas market and local businesses are encouraging people to shop local
Ennistymon Publican Mathew Griffin had a word with John about the buzz and decoration in the town
He also promoted an event the Riverside Cycling Cluib are running on Sunday
In the past when they were hoping to attract new members to the club they felt that people were intimidated by the length of their cycles
This Sunday they’re inviting beginners and improvers to meet opposite Griffins pub at 2pm for a short cycle
Though the use of a helmet is not permitted under law it is club rules to always wear a helmet.
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
