On today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Denise Dunne from the Clare Haven Services, Ennis joined John in studio following the launch of Safe Ireland Report which outlines that the legal system in Ireland often regards domestic violence as a nuisance rather than a crime. The report, entitled 'The Lawlessness of the Home', found that women are often not taken seriously when they make a complaint to gardaí about a domestic violence incident or when barring or safety orders are breached. Safe Ireland says in some cases crimes such as rape, assault and battery within a relationship are not being treated as a criminal offence.
After more than three decades, the milk quota regime is being abolished, meaning farmers will be able to produce as much “white gold” as they like. But what will this mean for Dairy farmers in Clare? Will practices change? Do we run the risk of over producing? Both Martin McMahon, ICMSA Clare County Chairman and Sixmilebridge Dairy Farmer and Chairman of Dairygold Co-Operative James Lynch spoke to John on this.
Ian Bailey has lost his civil action against the state and the Garda commissioner. The former journalist claimed Gardai conspired to implicate him in the murder of French film producer Sophie Toscan DuPlantier. Mr. Justice John Hedigan said he will now refer the evidence of Marie Farrell – a retired shopkeeper from Schull in West Cork – to the Director of Public Prosecutions. She had claimed in evidence that there was a Garda conspiracy to obtain false statements that Ian Bailey had intimidated her. A lawyer for the family of Sophie Toscan du Plantier has described the end of Ian Bailey's High Court action yesterday as an 'important step'. Her death is also under investigation by French authorities, more than 18 years after her body was found in west Cork. Ralph Riegel is the Irish Independent Southern Correspondent he gave Morning Focus a detailed overview of this case.
A new civic and arts centre in Shannon has been given the green light. Backers of the 7 million euro Shannon Venue project aim to have the facility up and running by 2017. Based in Shanon town centre, the venue will contain 366-seat theatre as well as associated facilities, and the Council has attached nine conditions to the planning permission. Derek Barrett Director Shannon Venue joined us in studio explaining now that Shannon Venue is no longer just a concept but a 'live' project they are hoping to get the community in Shannon involved as it is very much a community initiative.
Shannon mother of two and IT worker Clare McCarthy runs the popular clarewiththehair.com blog covering topics related to health and fitness, food and fashion. She’s recently been named as a finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2015 in the Food and Lifestyle Category. She also contributes to RSVP Magazine. Today, Clare joined us in studio with an array of Easter treats in toe! Tasty but simple child friendly baking ideas that will see you covered during this Easter break. Check out Clare FMs Twitter and Facebook pages for pictures of the todays treats and Clare's website clarewiththehair.com for the recipes.
Kilrush was named 2014 Ireland's Tidiest Small Town now the Department of Environment selected Kilrush to represent Ireland in the European Competition Entente Floral (11 countries take part). The two Entente Irish Judges are acting as mentors / guides for the competition process for Kilrush. This week those Judges are holding a public information evening on Wednesday, April 1st at 8PM in Kilrush Community Centre to explain what the competition is all about and to motivate the community ahead of the competition in July. Paul Edson, Chairperson of Kilrush Tidy Towns and Entente Floral Promotion Committee explained to Morning Focus that this is a a great opportunity for Kilrush and is encouraging all to come along to the meeting.
Frankie Coote, of Clare ISPCA and the county Dog warden joined us in studio to report a number of incidents including chased sheep in O Callaghan Mills, a horse found Monday morning on slip road by beechpark Ennis and a funny story about donkey tied outside the Cathedral in Ennis. Dog Pound 68 20393
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.
