First up on the show this morning was the latest on the Gort-Tulla Northern Relief Road. As you've been hearing in our news, calls for government funding to address a traffic bottleneck in Ennis have been unsuccessful. In recent weeks, Councillores representing the town called for the government to provide money to complete the Northern Inner Relief Road by joining the Gort and Tulla Roads. Transport Minister Shane Ross was asked for this money in the Dáil by Deputy Michael Harty, but in a written reply he's said funding is limited and that the route is not included the government's seven-year capital plan. The Minister also says it's a matter for the Council, though they've previously said that the funding would not be found for some time. Yesterday evening, Gavin asked Mayor of Ennis Councillor Pat Daly for his reaction.
In today's world, broadband is a resource that's as essential as water or electricity. It lets people live where they choose, work from home, run online businesses or to farm more efficiently. However, a new report shows that more than a quarter of people in this province can't access broadband in their own homes. The study by by Amarach Research and Vodafone shows that 26 percent people in rural Munster have to leave their homes if they want to get online because broadband speeds aren't adequate. Organisations including Irish Rural Link have already warned the situation is potentially driving employers out of rural areas and forcing people to consider moving out of rural Ireland. For those in the farming community, the situation is particularly serious as broadband is vital to productivity and profit. Gordon Hunt Journalist with Silicon Republic and Eddie Punch, Cratloe, General Secretary ICSA were on the line to discuss the issue with Gavin.
Next we heard about a public consultation on Doolin Pier. Facilities used by tens of thousands of tourists travelling between Clare and Aran are set for another major overhaul. A new visitor services building and a number of other shoreline facilities are in prospect as part of Masterplan being drawn up for Doolin Pier. Consultants appointed to the design of the new facilities are on hand from 4pm this afternoon at Doolin Community Centre and are accepting input from the public. Karen McEvoy of Bucholz McEvoy Architects spoke to Gavin.
After the ten o'clock news we heard from The Money Doctor, John Lowe, on our weekly finance slot. He spoke about CSO figures showing house prices are still rising and calls for reversal of Central Bank lending guidelines. http://independentfinancialadvice.ie/blog/
We often hear about the problems linked to low levels of iron in the blood, but there's a condition whereby people can have too much of this mineral. Haemochromatosis, which is a prevalent genetic condition in Ireland, is known as the Celtic Curse and, if it goes untreated, it can be fatal. Nora Kelly is a sufferer as are members of her family and, to raise awareness of the condition, she's one of the organisers of a public information event next Thursday (June 2) in Ennis. She joined Gavin in studio. She was diagnosed with haemochromatosis 20 years ago. Nora says that at the time she was diagnosed, her GP was unaware that such a condition existed. Nora is from a family of eight children – four of whom have the condition. One her two daughters is also a sufferer.
Yesterday, in the first interview in a special series on addiction, we heard the story of Sean from Ennis who was a chronic alcoholic and drug addict. He told Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry of his downward spiral through addiction into drug dealing until, with the help of his partner, he went into treatment. This morning, we'll hear about Sean's experience at the Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre and his life after addiction.
Frankie Coote, Clare County Dog Warden, was in studio to discuss bye laws over dogs on the beach that come into force in June. He also discussed a serious matter of animal cruelty near Shannon.
Then we heard about fairy folk and pre-Christian Clare. Historian and author Michael Houlihan will address the Kilrush and District Historial Society tonight (Tue., May 31) on the lore of pre-Christian Clare, including the county's sacred springs – which later became its holy wells. The lecture will take place at 8 o'clock tonight (Tuesday, May 31) in the Teach Ceoil on Grace Street. Kilrush. Michael Houlihan, Author of The Holy Wells of County Clare was on the line with more details.
Next we asked, will Clare designate Ireland's first clothing-optional beach? Clare County Council is being called on to consider designating one of our 9 Blue Flag beaches as a 'clothing optional' amenity. The North Clare Naturists and their umbrella group, the Irish Naturist Association, say the way has been paved for such a designation and that there are already 'unofficial' naturist beaches in this county. The national organisation is in the process of approaching local authorities with a view to convincing them of the merits of 'clothing optional' beaches and, to-date, it's entered into talks regarding Cooracloe Beach in Wexford. Pat Gallagher, President of the Irish Naturist Association was on the line to tell Gavin more.
Finally today we heard about the Killaloe Chamber Music Festival (June 10 to 12). The historic village of Killaloe will host 16 national and international artists next month for the fourth annual Chamber Music Festival. The three-day festival has a programme of popular classics, including music from the movies, with children and famllies also specially catered for in terms of the repertoire. Killaloe native and artistic director of the festival, Joachim Roewer, (Lead viola player in the Irish Chamber Orchestra), joined Gavin in studio.
