Morning Focus opened with a debate on hedge-cutting restrictions. In the month of August, at the start of the harvest season, there's no doubt that nature is in full bloom. But with the welcome burst of greenery come concerns about roadside hedges and visibility for road-users.
Currently, the government is considering relaxing existing restrictions on hedge-cutting. While proposed changes are being welcomed by farming representatives, a number of environmental groups have joined forces to voice their opposition. To discuss both sides of the issues, Gavin was joined by Willie Hanrahan, Clare IFA Chair and Alec Copeland, Senior Conservation Officer, Birdwatch Ireland's
The proposed changes would allow hedgecutting and 'grubbing' of vegetation in August and burning in the uplands in March. Currently it is illegal to cut, burn or grub vegetation including hedgerows and our uplands between March 1 and August 31. Section 40 already makes some provision for cutting by local authorities in the interests of road safety, however, there have been efforts to push for more frequent cutting.
Gavin was joined in studio by the Bishop-elect of Killaloe, Fr Fintan Monahan, who says he's looking forward to the challenge his new role will present.
Pope Francis confirmed the appointment on Friday (July 29). Fr Monahan takes up the role 18 months after Kieran O'Reilly left to become Archbishop of Cashel and Emly
Father Monahan was chaplain to Saint Jarlath’s College and served as secretary of the Tuam diocese for ten years.
The subject of dog fouling is one we've discussed many times here on Morning Focus. From what we've heard, people the length and breadth of Clare are encountering the problem. While there have been lots of initiatives to tackle the issue, the latest takes a rather novel approach. The county council has decided to join forces with the creators of internet animation series Sminky Shorts to get dog owners to change their habits.
Funded under the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government’s Anti Litter Awareness Grant Scheme, the 80-second animated short highlights the responsibility of dog owners to clean up after their dog and features two cartoon pug dogs chatting about the dos and don'ts of 'pooping and scooping' at the Cliffs of Moher. Gavin was joined by Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer, Clare County Council.
Tour de Munster Cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland comes to Clare this week. The first day (Thurs., August 4) of the sixteenth “Tour de Munster” will start in Waterford, taking cyclists through Tipperary and Limerick and on to Killaloe. On day two (Aug. 5) cyclists will pass through Tuamgraney, Ennis, Kilrush, Tarbert, Listowel and Tralee. Day three will see them face climbs over the Conor Pass and Molls Gap as they make their way via Dingle and Killarney toward Kenmare. Day four will start with a climb over the Caha Pass and finish in Cork city. Gavin was joined in studio by Colette O'Loughlin.
Our next guest was Helen Gannon, President of St. Louis Arts (an Irish Music and Dance School in St.Louis) & Meitheal Chair of North America. Helen has a party of 83 people including 20 students competing and 45 attending Scoil Éigse at the Fleadh.
For the weekly sport panel Joe Garry, Clare FM sports analyst.
