On Todays Morning Focus with John Cooke – Concerns about jobs at Aer Lingus and Connectivity to Clare and the Mid-West in the event of an IAG Takeover were some of the key themes outlined by interest groups who addressed the Oireachtas Transport Committee last evening. Among those taking part were representatives of businesses around Shannon and the Airport itself. Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber of Commerce, Helen Downes spoke to John about what was discussed.
John then spoke to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe on the issue surrounding the possible sale of Aer Lingus. The Minister also commented on the situation at Blakes Corner in Ennistymon where Public Representatives and residents have vowed to fight Clare County Council over plans to demolish three homes and a business in the town through their plans to build a new inner relief road and bridge as a solution to long running traffic problems at Blakes Corner.
Owen O Mahoney Volunteer and PRO with Clare Suicide Bereavement Support joined us in studio to talk about their upcoming healing program for people bereaved by suicide at innovation house, Roselevan shopping centre starting this Monday February 2nd and running for 8 weeks. For more information contact: 086 0565373 / 0873698315
After 10 we had our Friday Morning Focus Panel to discuss the top stories of the week. We were joined in studio by Margaret O Brien, a Journalist with The Sunday Business Post, John Quinlivan, Former Shannon Development Regional manager and Gearoid Howard from Crimmins Howard Solicitors Shannon. The panel discussed a number of stories including the proposed sale of Aer Lingus to IAG, the New Mortgage Rules outlined By the Central Bank, the protests targeting President Ml D Higgins on Friday last and Michael Lowry on his controversial note to the Taoiseach describing Valerie O'Reilly – a nominee for a board position – as "not bad looking".
Our Friday Panel every Friday on Morning Focus at 10am.
Finally the Moy Hill Community Garden group is inviting people to the recently refurbished community hall in Moy this Sunday – St. Bridget’s Day for an informative evening on existing and upcoming garden projects and a celebration of all great things happening in the area. They'll also be offering soup and St. Bridget's cross making and ahead of the event, Morning Focus' Cian Kearns visited the The Moy Hill Community Garden where he caught up with it's founder and a world World Champion Surfer – Fergal Smith.
Contact Morning Focus on focus@clare.fm
