This week, a major housing charity in the midwestern region gave a guarded welcome to new measures designed to give greater protections to rental tenants and landlords. Midwest Simon welcomed plans to freeze rents for a two-year period, as to provide greater protection for tenants under the government's 'New Deal for Tenants'. However, while the plan allows for increases in the Housing Assist Payment in major urban centres, there's to be no increase for tenants in Clare, Limerick or North Tipperary. Jackie Bonfield, General Manager of Midwest Simon spoke with Pat.
Morning Focus heard from a listener called Michelle, who shared her fears that her family will be homeless. Michelle is living in a rented property Ennis. She told Pat she has weeks to go on her current lease and fears that she and her children could become homeless when it expires. Michelle's partner passed away four years ago and she has been struggling financially since then.
Morning Focus heard that tourism in Clare could be at risk due to infrastructure deficit. The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) has just launched a report on the importance and potential of tourism in counties along the Western seaboard including Clare. In its report “Tourism in the West: An Engine for Growth and Jobs” the confederation argues that increased government investment is vital to underpin recent progress and to allow tourism to realise its full potential. Pat spoke to Paul Gallagher ITIC Chairman.
Dr Keir McNamara joined Pat in studio to discuss a ceremony to commemorate 600 WW1 dead from County Clare and to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign.
As the Doolin Writer's Competition was launched, Pat spoke to Donal Minihane, Hotel Doolin General Manager.
Pat also spoke to Stig Edgren, the legendary concert promoter and the man responsible for producing the Pope’s visit to New York.
With the launch of the Bord Gais Student Theatre Awards, judge Irene Gowing encouraged Clare school-goers to enter.
Legendary weather forecaster Michael Gallagher, a Donegal postman told Pat that a White Christmas was not on the cards for the Banner County.
Emma Jarvis, HR and Training Manager with TTM Healthcare in Ballymaley Business Park joined Pat in studio to talk about the company’s support for employees volunteering with charities around the town.
Caroline Collins of Ennis Bookshop joined Pat to review ‘The Gaybo Revolution’ and ‘Sea Gastronomy: Fish and Shellfish of the North Atlantic’ by Michael O’Meara, an award winning chef from Clarecastle.
