It’s reported today the government is drawing up plans to scrap the network nationwide and replace it with a scheme under the control of county councils
On Friday’s Morning Focus Marian Egan discussed the report with Seamus Boland, Chief Executive of Irish Rural Link
Clare Accessible Transport began over a decade ago and operates a county wide service for well over 3000 people
According to the draft report from the Department of Transport -seen by the Irish Examiner- 35 community based companies – including Clare Accessible Transport would be abolished
Eight regional authorities would then operate the new regime, under the National Transport Authority while Individual county councils will be responsible for schemes in their area
The network employs 108 people at present, but under the plan, just 32 jobs will be maintained
Most of the other employees may be subsumed into the local authorities
Fears are growing that the plan will lead to a diminution of services as the system will remove the community element in organising and delivering transport to the most isolated areas
Laura Ward, Manager of Clare Accessible Tranport and Ger Hoey, Chairperson of Clare Accessible Transport, also commented on the reports and spoke about the service they provide.
Minister Phil Hogan, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government have announced a public call for submissions to the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas
The Minister says that people living and working in rural Ireland are best placed to know what needs to be done to ensure that the rural economy develops
Former Kerry Gaelic footballer and Chairperson of CEDRA Pat Spillane spoke with Marian and said he was keen to engage with the public and will be listening to their experiences and suggestions regarding economic development in their community
Pat – who is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time – also gave his thoughts on Mick O’Dwyer as Clare’s new Senior Football Manager and football in the county.
In our Morning Focus health slot we speak with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre
Today Dr Finn discussed Haemochromatosis, often referred to as ‘the Celtic curse’
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
Older person’s charity Alone has reported a 25 percent increase in demand for its services
It follows an increase in demand of 50 percent in the previous year
Alone says the most frequent request for help from callers was in relation to housing issues
The charity says the gap in social housing services for those aged between 55 and 70 must be addressed by the Government
Sean Moynihan – spokesperson for Alone – spoke with Marian – they are constantly looking for volunteers and donations- see www.alone.ie
This Sunday a fundraising book swap and coffee day will take place in the Rowan Tree restaurant in Ennis (2.30pm-5pm)
Bring a book- have a coffee- leave with another book and chat with fellow readers about literature
Myriam Black, a teacher at St. Flannan’s College, Ennis and Caitlyn Horgan, 4th Year student joined Marian to explain more about their Calcutta Project
Fundraiser organiser Isobel O’Dea encouraged a book lovers to come along to meet some kindred spirits!
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
