MORNING FOCUS THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28TH
Thousands of families threatened with homelessness cannot wait years for the Government's promise to build more homes, a leading charity has warned. Threshold said the coalition's vow to construct 35,000 homes for those most in need over the next six years will come too late for many. Environment Minister Alan Kelly said his 3.8 billion euro Social Housing Strategy 2020 would aim to have 18,000 homes for those on waiting lists built by the end of 2017. Another 17,000 would be completed by 2020.Under the plan, another 75,000 families would be housed in private rented accommodation, organised by local authorities, through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme. Following the announcements from Minister Alan Kelly yesterday Geraldine Clancy of Simon Mid West joined John to discus the new plans
Doctor first saw 'very urgent' A&E patient when he was found dead on a trolleyA patient deemed to be a "very urgent" case after being rushed to an overcrowded emergency department was not seen by a doctor until he was found dead on a trolley over three hours after he was admitted, an inquest heard.A consultant told an inquest in Limerick yesterday they may have been able to save him had they proper facilities at the A&E of the Mid-West Regional Hospital (now University Hospital Limerick). Jimmy Wolfe. Irish Examiner -Mid West Correspondent outlined the case with John.
A group representing atheists has said it objects to a cross on top of the country's highest mountain being reinstated. Atheist Ireland said it has no objection to a cross on Carrauntoohil if it is privately owned property and has gone through the appropriate planning process. However, if it is a public space it should not be there as it is a symbol that does not represent the whole community, it argued. John spoke with Michael Nugent chairperson of Athiest Ireland about the reasons behind their objections.
ENVIRONMENT Minister Alan Kelly has vowed to eliminate housing waiting lists by 2020. The Government's housing strategy involves building 35,000 new homes, and another 75,000 unit's will rented from the private sector. Funding of some €3.8bn will provided over the next six years – a €1.6bn increase on the amount announced in October's Budget – and 29,000 construction jobs will be created in the building programme.In addition, a tenant purchase scheme will be introduced to allow social housing tenants buy their homes. The move comes as almost 90,000 languish on local authority housing waiting lists, some for up to five years. Minister Kelly outlined the new strategy with John.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre. Today Maire looked at the issue of Headaches and Migraines.
PLUMBERS WALKED OUT of talks with the energy regulator yesterday, citing alleged inaction over the illegal installation of thousands of boilers each year.The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Ireland claim concerns for public safety are being ignored.
They say a recent report by the Commission for Energy Regulation indicates that the number of boilers installed each year without having the necessary safety certification could be as high as 18,000. Sean Giffney, Chairman , The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Ireland spoke to John about what has been described as a ticking time bomb
Finally this morning Edel Smith from Doonbeg Organiser of Strictly Come Dancing West Clare – Second night taking place in the Armada, Spanish Point, Saturday night in aid of "Help the Cherven Orphans" & The Jack and Jill Foundation joined John to give details of the fundraiser.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
