Clare County Council is calling on Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte to ‘urgently intervene’ `to stop the Commissioner for Energy Regulation introducing tariffs which could scupper the plans by Shannon LNG
The facility, which would be located at a Shannon Development owned site at Ballylongford in Kerry, would lead to the creation of up to 640 jobs during construction, as well as another 100 when in operation
A combined heat and power plant at an adjacent site could create half as many – the overall cost is one billion euro.
However, the company has threatened to pull the plug on the project if the Commissioner proceeds with a proposal to force it to pay a tariff for gas interconnectors it would not use
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus with John Cooke we heard from Michael Briggane – Head of HR and Corporate Affairs with Shannon LNG – who said the delays they are experiencing as a result of the commissioner’s intervention are threatening the project’s future
Kildysart Councillor Oliver Garry and Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes gave their reaction
Also, Clare County Council is calling on the government to implement its plans for the airport as soon as possible, amid fears of ‘asset stripping’.
Parents are being warned not to overspend on communion celebrations
Some families are paying out as much as 16-hundred euro on their child’s big day
First there are the outfits, costing up to 600 euro for girls and 280 for boys
Then the transport – with some parents opting for limos and hummers – usually followed by a party
John Mark McCafferty, Head of Social Justice and Policy with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, had a word with John.
Listener Joe Gannon in Cloughleigh spoke about his son’s communion where the pupils wore their school uniforms.
The campaign to secure a playground for the town of Gort has being ongoing for many years
A site has been secured on the Ennis road and planning permission has been granted -the voluntary Gort Playground Group Limited has been leading efforts to build a play area in the town that doesn’t have any such amenity
A major fundraising drive is now underway to finalise the project – Martin Aherne of the Gort Playground Group Ltd joined John in studio.
In Morning Focus’ Legal Advice Slot today Mairead Doyle of Michael Houlihan and Co.- a volunteer solicitor with the Free Legal Advice Clinic at Clare Citizens Information Centre – looked at domestic violence issues- particularly at recent changes to safety orders.
Clare Haven provide court accompaniment for women – they also help to prepare for court
Contact 065 68 42646.
Every community in Ireland is being urged to get involved in The Gathering Ireland 2013, the biggest tourism event ever held in Ireland
It will involve a series of new festivals and events being held especially in order to encourage more visitors to Ireland next year
Community projects already underway include clan gatherings, genealogical projects, and an outreach initiative where local communities will contact people who have left the country
One Irish family from Dysart recently returned from the US is already organising an O’Dea clan gathering for 2013
Paul Keeley, Director of Enterprise Development at Failte Ireland, had a word with John and Clare Tourism Forum Chairperson Barbara Faulkner spoke about Clare’s leading role in developing cultural tourism to date and how it can play a key role in the success of the Gathering.
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John for his weekly slot where he reminds animal owners of their legislative responsibilities and has advice on the proper care of animals
The Clare ISPCA have been been getting numerous and serious complaints about litter and loose dogs attacking other dogs on the county’s beaches.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
