On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with President of the University of Limerick Professor Don Barry about the fantastic news that 1,000 new jobs are being created in the Midwest by UL
The positions are expected to be created over the next 5 years
The European Investment Bank is providing a 100 million euro loan to the 224 million euro project
Jack Kelly of Kelly Meats in Kilrush and the local Chamber of Commerce had a word with John about how local Christmas shopping is going in the West Clare town
He thanked the urban council for the Christmas lights that are up and adding greatly to the festive atmosphere
He added that the Chamber are hopeful this will be maintained in the future
The two hour free parking introduced by the town council in the run up to Christmas is certainly paying off in his opinion and they’ve installed a public address system that plays out Christmas tunes.
Obair Newmarket on Fergus and the local St Vincent de Paul are running a charity Christmas appeal
Over the last year a lot of young families who would never have accessed their services have come in to Obair and St Vincent de Paul for support
Siobhan O Driscoll, Community Development Officer with Obair Family Centre spoke with John and had details of Christmas initiative they are running in the area.
Mary Kelleher Pile in Kilrush contacted the programme to tell the story of her late brother recently being sent a letter regarding a hospital appointment that upset her family greatly.
Bernard Gloster, HSE Area Manager for non acute services in the Mid-West, spoke about the importance of looking out for our neighbours at this time of year
Cold Weather can be a problem for anyone but particularly older people, people with a disability and those with long-term illness
The HSE is asking people across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary to keep an eye out for those who might be vulnerable over the winter and holiday season. During the festive period, HSE staff particularly Public Health Nurses and Home Helps will continue to provide essential services to people who need it however, he said, the public can help in a most important way.
The Money Doctor John Lowe had words of advice about finances at this time of year!
Christmas spending is usually never budgeted for and so the credit card or short term loan invariably comes to the rescue – please be sensible this Christmas and plan what you are going to spend with only 14 shopping days to Christmas
He also spoke about his latest book – ‘The Money Doctor 2014 – 100 Ways to Save Cash’ and answered listeners’ queries
For more information see www.themoneydoctor.ie
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John with advice on the proper care of animals
He thanked Kilmihil School for their generous donation to ISPCA Clare and also Kilnaboy Youth Club
He also warned against buying animals and puppies illegally this Christmas
Contact Clare ISPCA Shelter on 065 6820393.
If you have a story for Morning Focus please email Focus@clare.fm
