On this morning's show we asked is it time to arm the Gardai? The GRA conference which is underway in Killarney is hearing calls to consider changing the status of the Gardai as an unarmed force. Members say society is getting more dangerous and as a result there is a need to arm gardaí with an "intermediate form of force", like stun guns. Successive governments and garda commissioners have consistently refused to countenance any change in the unarmed status of gardaí. Gardaí in border counties says they're particularly concerned and are calling on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to immediately address what they say is the chronic lack of 24-hour armed cover and frontline operational gardaí nationwide. Clare based member of the GRA, Paul Crowley, spoke with Gavin.
High levels of a cancer-causing gas have been found in homes throughout the county. Figures from the EPA show that a number of people here are being exposed to a daily radiation dose which is equal to six chest X-rays each day. Radon is a naturally occurring gas which has been linked to 250 cases of cancer a day. In enclosed spaces, such as a home, it can lead to unacceptably high concentrations of radiation, and it has long been known that Clare is a high risk county. The EPA's Office of Radiological Protection has revealed that high levels of radon have been found in 14 homes here, as part of their latest series of tests. The highest recording came in Ennis, with other readings coming from Clarecastle, Corofin, Ennistymon, Tulla and Quin. Radon levels inside a home can be reduced, but the cost of this can come close to 1,000 euro. Alison Dowdall Scientist with the EPA’s Office of Radiological Protection was on the line to tell Gavin more.
Next on the show, traditional open fireplaces will become a thing of the past, or else a luxury item, under little-known building regulations. The rules, introduced in 2014, mean all new builds must meet a far higher level of eco-efficiency. Installing an open fireplace in your home will make this more difficult and expensive. The higher cost involved in open fireplaces also means they are unlikely to figure in developers’ plans for new housing estates. Kerry TD Michael Healy- Rae has slammed the regulations, as "bureaucracy gone mad". He says that people love to come home to their fire and won't stand for the new rules. Research shows that open fires lose 70% of the heat generated, up the chimney. Dep Michael Healy-Rae TD for Kerry spoke to Gavin to tell him more.
The Money Doctor was on to talk about how borrowers could gain from a new competitor in Mortgage Market. John Lowe from indepententfinancialadvice.ie/blog also discussed other financial issues.
Helen got in touch with Morning Focus to voice her concern at an ad for Vodafone's mobile coverage. The ad, called 'The Power to Picnic' features a picnicing couple enjoying the Irish countryside, when they're suddenly confronted by a bellowing bull. Disaster is averted thanks to the company's 4G coverage which allows the girl (the guy is a bit slow on the draw) to find a clip of a barking dog, which sends the bull scurrying. Helen believes that the ad encourages trespassing on farmland and also sends the wrong message in terms of farm safety.
It's been announced that Shannon airport will be the main sponsor of this years Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. It's expected to attract up to 400,000 people to Ennis, with many of those coming from abroad passing through the airport. An event was held at the airport yesterday to mark the partnership. It was attended by there generations of the Droney family from Kilfenora. Clare FM's Ronan Moyles was at the launch and spoke to the family.
Frankie Coote, Clare County Dog Warden, joined Gavin in studio.
Over the last year, transition year students at St. Anne's Community College Killaloe have been focused on raising awareness around suicide prevention and positive mental health. Motivated by the desire to encourage people to talk about their problems, the students designed their own sticker to display in the local shops, schools, businesses and community spaces which encourage people to ‘Stop! Think! Talk Your Way To A Brighter Day’. On Saturday, May 7th, the students, together with family and friends, will join people in their community to take part in the Pieta House Darkness Into Light Walk. They hope to raise funds for the organisation through sponsorship on the walk. Brendan O'Brien TY teacher and Young Social Innovators guide was in studio with students from St. Anne's.
Mae Tuohy from Feakle, who is turning 100 this year, shared some recollections to Cuimhneamh an Chlair who shared it on the show.
Next on the show Gavin interviewed Michael Flatley who told him about his new show, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games.
Then news came through that Hillsborough inquest ruled that the 96 victims were unlawfully killed and we heard, "You'll Never Walk Alone".
Next weekend's May Bank Holiday marks the third year of Corofin’s popular Festival of Finn. Re-launched as part of The Gathering in 2013, the Festival attracts visitors from Ireland, Europe, the United States and beyond and runs from Thursday next (April 28) to M The five day festival includes the World Stone Throwing Championship, a fancy dress parade, a car treasure hunt, seisiúns and lots lots more. One of the highlights is Ireland's Best Beard and Moustache competition, which sees facial hair judged across a range of categories. Martin Waldron from the Festival of Finn told Gavin about some of the events to look forward to.
Finally, Clare writers have been invited to submit exerts of their writing for postcards. Clarinbridge Arts Group are inviting writers to try their luck with “quotecards”. It's a mini publishing enterprise aimed at helping first time writers see their work in print. Quotecards are postcards printed with the text from selected writers, poets, and bloggers. Mary Murphy Clarinbridge Arts Group gave Gavin the details.
